Scotty Girls Battle Back to Defeat Baker

The Scotty fans who stayed Friday night to watch the girls play their first home game of the season were in for a treat. The girls rewarded them with a win over the Baker Spartans to increase their overall record to 2-1.

In what seems to be their modus operandi, the Lady Scotties were slow to make any noticeable progress in the beginning of the game, scoring only six points in the first quarter. In comparison, the Spartans came ready to play and scored more points in the first quarter than at any other time during the contest.

The Scotties gained their composure in the second quarter, however, and scored 23 points to Baker's 10. When the girls hit the locker room at the half, the game was tied at 29.

Returning to the hardwood for the second half, the Lady Scotties maintained their energy and continued to get the best of Baker. In the third quarter, Lexi Nixdorf led the team offensively with three field goals. Senior Abbi Kolstad commanded the fourth quarter with 10 total points scored, including the lone 3-point shot of the night.

Kolstad and junior Khloe Krumwiede capitalized on Baker's 22 fouls by sinking 10 free throws between the two of them. Not to be outdone, the Scotties earned 14 fouls of their own just in the first half – seven of them in the first two minutes of the game. The team showed more discipline in the second half, though, with only four fouls earned.

Kolstad led the team in scoring with one third of the total points attributed to her. Other leading scorers included Nixdorf with a game total of 11 and Krumwiede with 10 points for the team. The remaining field goals were scored by Tyra Johnson (8), Jordan Kulczyk (7), and Leinie Hughes (6). Kulczyk also led the team in rebounds, picking up an impressive ten for the game.

Moving forward, the team has plenty to work on. Last year, less than 20 turnovers in a game was a good goal, but Coach Jon Kolstad wasn't happy with the 17 turnovers recorded by his team Friday night. "We're raising the bar a little bit," he explained. "We expect a little more from everyone."

The Lady Scotties continue with non-conference matches in Sidney on Thursday, Dec. 17, and at home against the Mavericks on Friday, Dec. 18.