Dec. 11, 2007

Final Stats

LIBERAL, Kan. -- The Northeastern Junior College Plainswomen are 12-2 heading into Christmas Break after splitting at the Seward County Invitational over the weekend. NJC lost to the host team for the second time this season, dropping a 72-59 decision. The loss is the second from Seward, their only pair of losses this season.

The girls managed to rebound by earning a 67-38 triumph against Dodge City.

Northeastern was haunted by poor outside shooting against Seward, shooting 2-15 from three-point land. The girls also turned the ball over 21 times, that turned into 30 points for their opponent.

What they did do well was rebound. The Plainswomen out-rebounded Seward 47-34 and had 10 second chance buckets.

Freshman Stacy Howard had a huge game, going for a career-high 22 points and 14 rebounds in the defeat. She also added three assists and was 4-4 from the free throw line. Fellow freshman Silke Forstmann had 12 points and five rebounds, while sophomore Sarah Conner had eight points, six rebounds and six assists.

On Saturday, it appeared the team would shake off their loss by taking it to Dodge City. NJC got off to a 35-18 halftime lead and never showed signs of slowing down.

The Plainswomen still shot below-par from the outside, only shooting 4-21, but they made up for it getting to the free throw line for 24 attempts, versus just eight against Seward.

Sophomore Jennifer Garner had a brilliant showing against Dodge City, going for 24 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals in just 27 minutes.

Conner followed Garner with nine points and five assists, to go along with a team high three steals. Sophomores Kristen Forbes and Taija Bennett each added seven points.

As a team, NJC forced 31 turnovers that translated into 31 points. They also had a season-high 17 steals in the victory.

The invite in Kansas wraps up the beginning part of the season. Northeastern resumes action Jan. 8 when they play at home against North Platte.