Lady Panthers fall to Cornell by 11

by Rachel Hovey, student writer

On Tuesday, Dec. 22, the Lady Panthers were hoping to capture a non-conference win prior to the New Year. With no junior varsity game, all players were able to play the entire game.

The Panthers came out shooting hot, while the Chiefs stayed in the game by making many inside shots.

Junior Jordyn Bloom had a great first half, scoring 13 points while also coming up with four steals, helping the Lady Panthers keep it a close 22-18 at the half.

However, the Panthers came out in the second half struggling to make shots. As the Lady Panthers turned the ball over more, Cornell was able to capitalize on the Panthers’ mistakes. The Cornell Chiefs shot 42 percent from inside the 3-point line while the Panthers shot a mere 22 percent, which may have been the difference in the game. The Panthers ran out of time in the end, resulting in the 48-37 loss.

Yet the Panthers are continuing to improve, having cut their turnovers in half from the previous game.

Bloom led all scorers with 15 points followed by CallieRae Long with six, while Julia Branger and Rachel Hovey contributed four apiece. Offensively, Branger and Hovey each were credited with four assists. Branger grabbed 14 rebounds while Long had eight. Bloom finished the night with five steals while Branger and Hovey added three. Defensively, Johanna Wulff had a block.

The Lady Panthers will have this week off from games, resuming play on Thursday, Jan. 7, when they host the Melrose-Mindoro Mustangs.