Hornets fall to Macks, Spartans, win over Ramblers

By Ginna Young

Going halfway through the season without a loss, Cadott’s girls basketball program was eventually dethroned over the week, by a tough league opponent.

Jan. 10 vs. McDonell conference (L 70-45)

The playing environment is always difficult for visitors at McDonell and Cadott’s game was no different.

“The game was close for a while,” said coach Dave Hazuga. “They went on a big run before halftime.”

The Hornets went into the break down by 22, but limited the Macks to just 26 points in the second half. Unfortunately, Cadott only came up with 23 points after halftime and watched their undefeated streak end, with McDonell taking the 70-45 win.

“We worked at recovering, but couldn’t get all the way back,” said Hazuga.

Senior Lauryn Goettl came up big on the night for the Hornets, with 25 points, while senior Elly Eiler contributed 11. Senior Lake Ryan added 6 points to the mix and junior Emma Kowalczyk came away with 3.

“They are the top 10 team, so we have some work to do,” said Hazuga.

Jan. 13 vs. Regis conference (W 45-40)

“The girls were excited and ready to play Friday night,” said Hazuga, as Cadott took on Regis in an away game. “[We] got off to a great start.”

Cadott outscored the Ramblers 42-17 in the first half, thanks to some defensive effort, but Regis would attempt a comeback in the second half. With a large lead on their side, the Hornets reeled in a 78-65 victory.

Eiler notched 27 points for Cadott, with Goettl right behind, with 25. Ryan’s three shots from beyond the arc gave her 9 points on the night, while Kowalczyk added 6 points, and junior Bradee Burish and freshman Kennedy Nerdrum each chipped in with 4. Rounding out the scoring, sophomore Kasey Moldrem shot a three-pointer.

“We knew playing them at their place would be tough, but a great win,” said Hazuga.

Jan. 16 vs. Somerset non-conference (L 74-61)

To finish out the three-game set, Cadott stepped out of the conference to face Somerset on the Hornets’ home court. However, the scoring wasn’t there for the home team when it was needed.

“Very strong team we played, we got down and had to battle back a couple of times,” said Hazuga.

Cadott was down by eight points at halftime and while they nearly caught up to the Spartans, it wasn’t enough as time ran out. The game went to the visitors, 74-61.

Goettl led for the Hornets, with 20 points, with Eiler next, scoring 17. Kowalczyk followed that up with 10 points, while Ryan had 6, Burish had 4, and senior Eva Enestvedt and freshman Taylor Hager each added 2.

The Hornets now sit at 13-2 on the season and have a 7-1 West Cloverbelt Conference record.

“Really good effort the girls put forth,” said Hazuga. “A game like that should help us down the road.”