FERGUS FALLS -- The Willmar Cardinals couldn't find their range at Fergus Falls Friday night and lost in Central Lakes Conference girls basketball 35-30.
Willmar sophomore Kelsey Evans was the only player in double figures with 11 points, but the Cardinals shot just 30 percent (12 of 40).
The game was a rematch of last year's Section 8AAA final at Moorhead, won by Willmar, 38-34.
The Otters, who returned with their lineup virtually in tact, improved to 3-1 in the CLC. Willmar dropped to 1-4.
The teams were within a basket of one another the entire first half, which ended with the host team up 17-16.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Otters spurted to a 23-16 lead out of the locker room, though Willmar quickly cut it back to two again. But the Cardinals couldn't get their shots to drop, including chances at the line (3-for-9).
Brin Hanson had a good all-around game with seven points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Lisa Nielsen was held to six points, but snagged eight rebounds.
With their leader, Hannah Draxton, hobbled by a bad ankle, the Otters turned to their bench for 17 points, led by Erin Morstad with seven. Kristi Shaikoski led Fergus with nine points. Draxton added five, all in the second half.
Fergus 35, Willmar 30
Willmar (1-4, 3-4) 16 14 -- 30
Fergus Falls (3-1, 3-2) 17 18 -- 35
WILLMAR - 12-40 FG (3-10 3 pt); 3-9 FT; 23 rebounds; 16 fouls ... Scoring: Kelsey Evans 11, Brin Hanson 7, Hannah Okins 1, Kjerstin Knutson 3, Greta King 2, Lisa Nielsen 6 ... 3-point shots: Evans, Hanson, Knutson ... Rebound leaders: Nielsen 8, Hanson 5 ... Assist leaders: Hanson 5 ... Steal leaders: Hanson 4, Okins 3
FERGUS FALLS - 15-34 FG (2-8 3 pt); 3-8 FT; 41 rebounds; 10 fouls ... Scoring: Sarah Erickson 2, Erin Morstad 7, Katie Hohman 2, Lexi Moon 2, Hannah Draxton 5, Amanda Lewis 6, Kristi Shaikoski 9, Susen Wellendorf 2... 3-point shots: Morstad, Shaikoski ... Rebound leaders: Draxton 8 ... Assist leaders: Draxton 5 ... Steal leaders: Shaikoski 2
