Paynesville started strong as they would lead 12-10 at the completion of the first quarter.
Behind Tanya Lieser’s six second quarter points the Lady Bulldogs had a two-point lead with less than a minute left. Paynesville stalled for the last shot and got the spark they needed as junior guard Cindy Lang nailed a three-pointer to close the scoring in the first half. Lang would also make a big three-pointer in the third quarter.
Paynesville struggled after posting a 42-34 lead after three quarters. The Lady Bulldogs didn’t score a point in the fourth until Amber Michaelis made a free throw with 33 seconds left.
Fortunately, stingy defense by Paynesville only surrendered six points in the final quarter.
A balanced attack was lead by juniors’ Tanya Lieser’s 18 points, and Carin Frenchick’s 11 points.
Sophomore Steph Krupke compiled a game high six assists as Amber Michaelis finished with four steals.
The win over the Big Lake Hornets completed a very emotional tournament. The first place trophy was delivered by the girls to their teammate Jaime Wuertz, who is hospitalized.
Paynesville: 49
Big Lake: 40
Annandale
They also traveled to Annandale to face the 6-0 and #5 ranked team in the state on Tuesday night. Despite a cold shooting night, the Lady Bulldogs kept it close losing 64-54.
Paynesville shot miserably in the first quarter, as only three of the 17 attempts were successful. A solid defensive effort allowed the Lady Bulldogs to stay within reach at the conclusion of the first eight minutes (15-9).
Senior Amber Michaelis hit two three-pointers, and Junior Tanya Lieser added one to spark the Bulldogs. However, the Cardinals more than matched the Bulldogs, as the deficit at half would reach nine points at 36-27.
Junior Carin Frenchick ignited the Bulldogs as she scored eight of her 13 points in the third quarter. This was equaled by Annandale’s Jessica Barrett, and the Cardinals increased their lead to 51-39.
The Lady Bulldogs never gave up, and this was evident as they outscored Annandale in the final quarter.
Junior Tiff Rausch had the task of guarding a highly touted guard, Megan Pick. Rausch was effective, as Pick was held to eight points.
Amber Michaelis and sophomore Steph Krupke were the leaders in assists as they each dished out four.
Tanya Lieser had a triple-double in the defeat. Lieser posted 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 12 blocked shots.
Annandale: 15 21 15 13 - 64
Paynesville : 9 18 12 15 - 54