Chiefs break out with back-to-back-to-back wins

Cornell freshman Addy DeJongh did her part for her team, sending up a shot against Birchwood Jan. 20, on her home court in the conference match. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Cornell’s girls basketball program was dominant over the week, bringing in victories over all three league opponents.

Jan. 17 vs. Flambeau conference (W 45-39)

First on the schedule, was the ever tough Flambeau.

“We knew playing Flambeau would be tough, but we came prepared and ready for the challenge,” said coach Courtney Yanko.

It was a hard-fought match, but in the end, Cornell prevailed, taking the win over the Falcons, 45-39.

“The girls played great,” said Yanko. “They worked together as a team on offense and defense.”

Senior Kelsea Popp led for the Chiefs, with 15 points, 2 rebounds and 5 steals, followed by junior Makya Hetherington, with 10 points, 9 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals, while junior Lauren Samardzich ended with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Sophomore Bralee Schroeder came next, with 7 points, 6 rebounds and a steal, with Alyssa Bowe adding 2 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Junior Grace Harycki also had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Junior Marcella Boehm chipped in with 1 point, a rebound and a steal, and junior Teryn Close had a rebound and 2 steals.

“We are peaking as a team at the right time and I am excited for the rest of the conference play this season,” said Yanko.

Jan. 20 vs. Birchwood conference (W 64-24)

Coming off that win, Birchwood then came to call, but it was no contest for the visiting Bobcats. The Chiefs rolled over their opponent, 64-24.

Popp again led, with 17 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 6 steals, while Schroeder came away with 13 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal, with Harycki notching 10 points and 3 rebounds. Samardzich followed that with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

Hetherington scored 7 points on the night, along with 7 rebounds, an assist and a steal, and freshman Addyson De-Jongh had 4 points and 5 rebounds. Boehm added 3 points and 2 rebounds, while freshman Alyssa Bowe chipped in with 2 points, a rebound, an assist and a steal, and Close added 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

“We are feeling good right now.,” said Yanko.

Jan. 23 vs. Bruce conference (W 43-20)

To finish up the three-game set, the Chiefs headed to Bruce for a battle with the Raiders. Cornell fought hard and was rewarded with their third straight win, taking the 43-20 victory over Bruce.

“Things are finally clicking and coming together the way we thought they were going to all season,” said Yanko.

Schroeder led on the night, with 13 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and a steal, with Harycki adding 11 points and 3 rebounds. Popp ended with 6 points, 7 rebounds, an assist and 5 steals, and Samardzich 5 had points, 5 rebounds, 5 blocks and a steal.

Hetherington recorded 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal, while Bowe 2 added 2 points, 5 steals and an assist, and Close had 2 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals. DeJongh rounded out the books with a rebound.

Cornell now has a 7-10 overall record and is 4-5 in the league.

“I am so proud of how far the girls have come this season and we are just going to keep building,” said Yanko.