Box Score
The Lady Bruins played their final game of the regular season on Monday night as they welcomed in the Tennessee Temple Crusaders. The team was coming off back to back losses and were looking to end their season on a high note. The Crusaders entered Monday's game with a 14-14 record with their most recent win coming against Columbia International University on Saturday night. This would be the final home game for seniors Kim Spiecker and team manager Dennae Koenke.
Kendra Jeffcott got the Bruins offense going in the opening minutes by scoring the Bruins first seven points on their way to a 12-5 lead. The team was executing well on offense, but then the Crusaders came charging back with the impressive post play of Angel Foster to take the lead. The Bruins struggled with turning the ball over and allowed the Crusaders more opportunities to score. Despite their struggles, the Bruins trailed only by 3 as the halftime score was 32-29.
"We knew going in who their shooters were, but several of their players stepped up tonight," Coach LeViere said. "We didn't finish well around the rim in the first half and we turned the ball over. The positive was that we outrebounded them in the first half which kept us in the game."
In the second half, the Bruins offense went from bad to worse as the turnover bug continued to plague the team. The Crusaders were able to capitalize on those opportunities and used transition baskets to continue to stretch the lead. After a three-point dagger by Jessica Salera, the Crusaders took a 71-58 lead and didn't look back as the Bruins lost their third straight game 75-59.
"Turnovers were the story tonight," Coach LeViere said. "When you turn the ball over that many times against a good team you aren't going to win many ball games. We've got to play well and with intensity for a full 40 minutes if we are going to do well in the regional tournament."
Kourtney Hoefler and Kendra Jeffcott each scored 16 for the Bruins and Kim Spiecker added 12. With the loss, the Bruins end the regular season with an 18-10 record. The team will await the seeding for the regional tournament, which will take place in two weeks at Emmanuel College.
