Chieftains make regular season sweep of Chiefs

In their final regular season game, the Lake Holcombe Chieftains and Cornell Chiefs matched up in a girls basketball conference showdown Feb. 5.

The Chieftains played host to the visiting Chiefs, taking a 12-point lead with them into halftime. Lake Holcombe continued their scoring ways in the second half, while Cornell tried to keep pace.

Time eventually ran out for the Chiefs and Lake Holcombe claimed a 72-51 victory.

It was a bittersweet moment for the Chieftains, as they honored their only senior Allison Golat-Hattamer. Coach Jennifer Lechleitner says the team will greatly miss Hattamer.

“She has been such an excellent leader,” said Lechleitner.

The Chieftains were led by sophomore Karly Kirkman, with 23 points, who also knocked down a three-point shot, and junior Brooke Lechleitner, with 19 points. Hattamer came next, with 12, with freshman Emma Lechleitner right behind, with 11, and a three-pointer to her credit.

Freshman Ella Hartzell also shot from beyond the arc, finishing with 4 points, while sophomore Belle Jones ended with 2 points and junior Carly Vavra added 1 point.

On Cornell’s side, the Chiefs were led by sophomore Kelsea Popp, who had 17 points and senior Izzy Clark, who hit a pair of three-pointers and 7 free throws, finishing with 15 points.

Senior Michaiah Galster ended her night with 10 points, while senior Alyssa Helland and freshman Lauren Samardzich each knocked down a three. Junior Teaira Spaeth rounded things out, with 1 point.

Lake Holcombe improved their regular season record to 9-6 overall and 9-3 in the East Lakeland Conference, while Cornell went to 3-13 and 2-9.