SPEARFISH, S.D.—The Yellow Jackets saw a lot of ups and downs throughout the course of the first half of the season. They alternated wins and losses for the most part en route to a 5-4 record before Christmas break.
A 75-65 win against Regis (CO.) gave the Yellow Jackets momentum to close out the first half of the season and it showed tonight against Adams State University. It was Logan Cowan carrying the load for the Yellow Jackets, registering a season-high 16 points while finishing 7-9 from the field to help the Yellow Jackets defeat Adams State University 84-55.
The first half was much closer than the score indicated as Adams State held a 15-9 lead at 11:15 of the first half when Kassidy Fair nailed a three-point shot. That was all the fuel the Yellow Jackets needed as they closed in on the Grizzlies.
A layup by Rachel Erickson at 8:33 of the first half gave the Yellow Jackets a 16-15 lead before a Shalisa Moffit three-pointer gave the Grizzlies a 18-16 lead at 8:20. Fortunately for the Yellow Jackets, that was the last time the Grizzlies held the lead and Rachel Erickson was a reason why when she nailed a three-point shot to make the score 19-18 at 8:00 of the first half.
Bailey Kusser continued to pour salt on the Grizzlies' wound with back-to-back shots, a three-pointer and a layup to extend the Yellow Jacket lead to 24-18 at 6:38 of the first half.
The Grizzlies came back within one point at 4:34 of the first half when Natalie Halbleib nailed a three-pointer to make the score 25-24. Nicole Broyles tied the game 28-28 at 1:07 of the first half when she converted on back-to-back free throws. The Yellow Jackets took the lead for good from there when Chelsey Biegler closed out the scoring in the first half with a three-pointer and free throw to make the score 32-28.
The Yellow Jackets came out of the locker room with vengeance, storming to a 45-28 lead when Biegler converted on three straight free throws. Adams State didn't score a point until 16:30 of the second half when Desiree Anderson made a three-pointer to make the score 45-31.
The Yellow Jackets success from the field was an attribute to the successful second half. Remi Wientjes finished a perfect 3-3 from the field to lead the Yellow Jackets off the bench in the second half. Logan Cowan went 4-6 from the field in the second half while Taylor Trohkimoinen went 2-3.
Logan Cowan registered a season best 16 points for the Yellow Jackets. Chelsey Biegler, Taylor Trohkimoinen, Rachel Erickosn, and Bailey Kusser all finished in double figures for the Yellow Jackets.
The Yellow Jackets will return to RMAC action tomorrow, Jan. 3 to take on Fort Lewis University. Game time is at 4 p.m.
