Warriors Get Comeback Win Over Cougars 65-59

FOREST CITY, IA – Just over three weeks ago, the Waldorf women's basketball team competed against the Minnesota-Morris Cougars and lost 77-51. On Wednesday afternoon, the Warriors hosted the Cougars for their first game of 2024 and defeated the Cougars 65-59.

"Really proud of our team's collective toughness to overcome that deficit. Falling behind in the second half by double digits was tough but we played possession by possession and took care of the basketball and made big shots at big times," stated Head Coach Shawn Chaffin. "Defensively, we extended ourselves a little bit and created some extra baskets that made a big difference down the stretch and put them in a position to have to foul us." 

1^st Quarter: Lizzie Garza (SR/Brownsville, TX) opened the game with a quick three and Edosa Ogbemudia (SO/East Bethel, MN) and Brooke Dial (FR/Dallas, TX) scored back-to-back jump shots. The Cougars took an 8-7 lead after scoring on a Waldorf turnover. Cloey Dmytruk (SO/St, Paul, MN) made a layup and Minnesota-Morris stayed ahead with a 14-11 lead.

2^nd Quarter: Minnesota-Morris had their highest scoring quarter with 20 points and Waldorf trialed close behind with 17. The Warriors scored seven straight points with four from Dial and a three from Sandra Christian (SR/Gainesville, TX). The Cougars responded well with a 13-2 run over the Warriors. Dmytruk halted the run with six points to close out the half. The Warriors were down 34-28.

3^rd Quarter: The Cougars extended their lead by 11 at 43-32. Garza and Dial added five points combined and Alyah Abrahamson (SO/Browersville, MN) made two free-throws to bring the game within five points. The Cougars were up by seven before Christian drained a three-pointer to end the quarter with Waldorf trailed 47-43.

4^th Quarter: The Warriors had their highest scoring quarter with 22 points and held the Cougars to 12. Dmytruk tied the game at 47 and Christian scored a go-ahead three. Dial forced a Cougar turnover with a steal and made a fast break layup. Christian added another three and Ogbemudia made a jump shot. Dial came up with another steal and Garza made a layup for a seven point lead. Christian closed out the game with two made free throws and the Warriors won 65-59.

Chaffin added, "Team effort got some career best from a couple players. The bench was outstanding that was led by Cloey. Brooke didn't shoot her best but created two or three extra possessions down the stretch to help us stretch the lead out. Looking forward to get back into league play."

The Warriors had five athletes finish with double-digit points and two had double-doubles. Dial had 14 points and 11 rebounds, with 4 steals, and 3 assists. Ogbemudia finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, with 2 assists, and 1 block. Christian had 14 points, and Dmytruk added 12. Barry and Abrahamson each had 4 assists.

Next up, the women's basketball team will begin NSAA conference play starting on Wednesday, January 10^that Viterbo. Tip-off is at 5:30 pm.