By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Sitka High Lady Wolves scored a win over the Lady Braves in their first rivalry match of the season, Saturday, at Mt. Edgecumbe High.
With a final score of 57-48, the Wolves’ win was decisive, but the score was not so wide apart through the whole game.
“We came out really sharp, we executed really well, and we relaxed a bit at halftime,” Sitka coach Sondra Lundvick said.
By the half, the Wolves led 30-15, boosted by an unanswered 12-point run in the opening minutes of play. Wolves’ Tawny Smith and freshman Jocelyn Brady accounted for most of that run, breaking through Edgecumbe’s defense multiple times.
But in the third, the Braves pulled together, bringing the game within 2 points.
“We didn’t play until the second half today,” MEHS coach Kathy Forrester said immediately after the game. Despite the loss, Forrester was happy with her team.
“We were just starting to gel a little bit more; by the time that we play them again I hope that the score changes, but I’m super proud of them.”
Wolves’ Rean Famini, right, and Lady Brave’s Madison Alstrom-Beans compete for the ball, Saturday, at MEHS. (Sentinel photo by James Poulson)
Vernae Ramoth and Maggie Miller stood fast at post, their coach said.
“I was super happy with my posts today – they worked hard,” she said. Ramoth also led her team in points, followed by Autumn Beans.
The Wolves pulled ahead again in the fourth quarter, aided by a number of free throws.
All told, the Wolves went to the free throw line 31 times, making 20 of the shots. In contrast, the Lady Braves went to the line only nine times.
“We need to cut back on our fouls while continuing our pressure defense,” Forrester said.
Lundvick said her team had gotten onto their heels by halftime.
“We looked at the score board and said, this game is over, and it wasn’t close to over... we got off our heels and got back on our toes again,” she said.
“We still had way too many turnovers, it’s my nemesis, it’s my nightmare,” Sitka High’s coach added. She hoped to continue improving her team in all categories across the board.
The local girls teams weren’t playing alone, however. Edgecumbe’s boys played against Anchorage Christian at MEHS, falling 75-49 and 60-52 Friday and Saturday against the northern powerhouse.
The Sitka and Edgecumbe girls teams play again this coming weekend. Edgecumbe travels to Palmer Thursday for a tournament. Sitka plays at home. The schedule is below.
Friday at SHS
5:30 p.m. Girls JV Sitka vs. Palmer
7 p.m. Girls Varsity Sitka vs. Palmer
Saturday at SHS
5:30 p.m. Girls JV Sitka vs. Palmer
7 p.m. Girls Varsity Sitka vs. Palmer
A story focusing on player perspectives from Saturday night’s game will appear in the Sentinel later this week.
