Lady Pirates win regular season finalie
<p>Polson's Jesica Bagnell (right) battles for the ball against Libby earlier this season. The Lady Pirates look to capitalize on their Saturday win as they head into Divisionals. </p>
WHITEFISH – Driven by senior leadership, the Lady Pirates stomped their way through the rival Bulldogs Saturday in Whitefish 51-25, on their way to Northestern A Division Tournament this Thursday in Ronan.
Polson Seniors Anna DiGiallonardo and Heidi Rausch produced 63 percent of Lady Pirates offense. But it was Polson’s lockdown defense that didn’t allow a point in the first quarter Saturday and limited the Bulldogs to just eight second half points. Polson’s Hallie Hovenkotter had eight rebounds, including three on the offensive end.
The win at Whitefish came on the heals of a 63-52 loss to Columbia Falls Thursday night. Trailing by 46-30 heading into the fourth, the Pirates fought back, outscoring the Wildcats 22-17 in the last quarter. But the Lady Pirates ran out of time and trailing by 16 late in the game was too much for them to overcome.
Heidi Rausch had 16 points, 11 rebounds and MacKenzie Banner added 11 points.
Going into a divisional tournament riding a losing steak would have to play a factor mentally. Leaving Whitefish to with a win Saturday not only finishes the season off on a winning note, it give the Lady Pirates confidence heading into their Divisional game against Frenchtown on Friday. The Lady Pirates ended their regular season 4-4, 7-11.