Throughout each season every team is faced with obstacles that are unknown; the worst of these unknowns are injuries that occur. Two weeks ago we participated in the Northwest Classic playing William Penn Friday night and NW Saturday night. Despite a so-so display of defense Friday night we came away with a victory, winning 74-52 to William Penn. Shots were falling for us but we quickly noticed during that game that defense is still our struggle. Hillary Adams recieved a high pass during the game in which reaching for it she somehow managed to hyperextend her knee, yet throughout the game she played and didn't think abything about it. The next morning she woke up and couldn't walk...a tearful Adams had to sit out against her wishing of our NW game that night, missing the first game ever of her college career. Adams soon had a partner by her side in Erica Akins as she went down with a knee injury early in the game. Like Adams she insisted on playing, was tested by the trainer and sent back in the game. Within 5 seconds of being on the floor Akins went down a second time as her knee gave out. Needlesstosay she was done for the rest of the game. We fell to NW Saturday night 75-58. Again with a mediocre performance on defense we went back to the basics in practice the following week. We stressed the importance on defense and broke it down, then broke it down again, and after that broke it down again...repetitive, yes but incredibly helpfu for the team. The team responded well and agreed they wanted/needed to be more productive on defense. Everyday is a learning day, and everday is a opportunity to get better! As we worked hard to continue to improve we anxiously waited for Adams and Akins results from the doctor. We were relieved to hear Adams would be back in action only having to sit out for one more day with a deep contusion to the knee, yet saddened to find that Akins would be done for the season with a torn ACL. It's always hard to see a player be sidelined due to injury, and it's even harder when is their senior season. Inspite of it all, Akins is in good spirits. Not happy about the situation obviously but staying positive for her teammates!
Before Thanksgiving break we ended on a great note beating Missouri S&T 74-63. We had 4 players in double figures, Erica Ferguson led all scorers with 23 points, only missing two shots. Hillary Adams bounced back quickly after being out for a few days adding 15 points. Sophmores, Katie Bond and Brandie Roberts each had 10 points, Bond grabbed 9 rebounds and Roberts grabbed 10. We were 19-19 from the stripe.
After a few days off to be with families and friends we are hitting it hard as we prepare to open up conference play this Thursday in Lamoni, Ia vs. Graceland.
It's always a great day to be a Cardinal!
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