By: Con Marshall
CSC Sports Information
CHADRON, Neb. -- Playing without three of its primary players because of injuries, but playing with special spunk and energy, the Chadron State College women's basketball team hung on for a 70-67 victory over South Dakota Mines in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game in Chadron on Saturday afternoon.
Neither team led by more than seven points. Mines was ahead 33-32 at halftime and 44-43 after three quarters. The Eagles took the lead early in the fourth on Allison Olsen's long 3-pointer and led the rest of the way with some clutch shooting that included going nine-of-nine at the free throw line.
Chadron State had its biggest lead at 64-57 after Liberty Line nailed a trey with 1:20 to play. But in the final 45 seconds the Hardrockers hit three 3-pointers, two of them by all-star Piper Bauer and the other with six seconds remaining by Lauren Herman.
The Eagles, who were being fouled to stop the clock, were able to hold off the long range bombardment with free shots. Line, Olsen and Kyra Tanabe all sank a pair of charity shots in the final 30 seconds.
Bauer, who was 7-of-13 on 3-pointers was the game's leading scorer with 25 points while teammate Savea Mansfield had 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Herman added 10 points.
Chadron State got 15 points that include a trio of 3-pointers from both Megan Counts and Line while Tanabe scored 13 and Olsen 10.
Each team finished with nine treys. Mines had 22 total field goals, one more than the Eagles, but CSC was 19-of-21 at the line and the visitors 14-of-17.
The Eagles, who were forced to play without Shay Powers, Olivia Waufle and Awati Akoi are now 6-12 for the season and 4-10 in the RMAC. Mines is 5-14 and 5-8
South Dakota Mines—Piper Bauer 25, Savea Mansfield 15, Lauren Herman 10, Naomi Hidalgo 6, Alexis Backhaus 5, Madelyn Heiser 3, Morning Grace Spotted Bear 3. Totals: 22-62 (9-24) 14-17 67 points, 36 rebounds, 13 turnovers, 12 assists.
Chadron State—Megan Counts 15, Liberty Line 15, Kyra Tanabe 13, Allison Olson 10, Kylie Krise 6, Bria Delimont 5, Kadyn Comer 3, Camren Morris 3. Totals: 21-46 (9-18_ 19-21 70 points, 30 rebounds, 15 turnovers 12 assists.
South Dakota Mines 19 14 11 23 ---67
Chadron State 13 10 11 27 ---70