The Lady Dragons traveled to St. John's University on Saturday for a rematch against Sauk Centre in the section quarterfinals.
Pine City had beat the Mainstreeters in a Christmas tournament, it was their first win over them in years. So the Dragons certainly came into this game with some confidence.
But the game got off to a shaky start for the Dragons, as the Streeters opened up a 6-0 lead in the first 2 minutes. This lead to a Pine City timeout, which proved to turn things around. Out of the timeout the Dragons went on a 9-2 scoring run which put them in front. After this the defenses began to clamp down and keep the scoring at a premium. The Dragons would hold onto the lead until late in the half. Sauk Centre managed to hit a few big shots and retake the lead. The Dragons trailed by as much as 5 but stormed back with a couple of big shots of their own to trail by only three at half 23-20.
Unfortunately the 2nd half slipped away from them early. Sauk Centre found a rhythm on offense and their defense suffocated the Dragons chances at baskets. Despite leading in the take/give category, they struggled to find the rim shooting at just 20% in the game. Pine City wound up falling 61-42.
With the loss the Lady Dragons season comes to an early end.
It may not have been the ending they were hoping for, but when they look back at this season they will realize just how special it was. Between the records being broken, to the younger players stepping up to beating teams you haven't won against in years, this season and this team will truly be one to be remembered!
Congrats to the seniors Emma Belsheim, Summer Thieman and Karly Jusczak! Best of luck on whatever the future holds for you!
As the sports director I wanted to thank the Lady Dragons for allowing me to be a part of their special season!
Scoring:
Pine City
Vivian Lahti 13
Karly Jusczak 10
Brooke Boland 9
Mallory Clepper 5
Taylar Hejny 3
Summer Thieman 2
Photo Credit: Four Seasons Photography
