Plainswomen Return From Crusades Victorious
In a key road game in the Region IX South, NJC won in a shoot out against Eastern Wyoming by the score of 83-76. In the first quarter, the Plainswomen jumped to a 6-0 lead by a three pointer by Kiara McElroy and Darci Finnigan. Not to be outdone, EWC would string together a few threes of their own to capture the lead 9-6. As the quarter would progress, leads would exchange hands a few times, but NJC would have the lead as the buzzer would sound 20-19. Hoping to keep their play consistent, NJC would keep a nice balance of scoring inside and out putting up an additional 25 points and taking a 45-37 lead going into halftime.
In the second, Northeastern had some flashbacks to the first semester by allowing their opponent to go on a little run, but by having the little lead at half kept them in it. Eastern Wyoming came out with a tougher defense in the third and the Plainswomen's scoring slowed down only notching 13 points for the quarter, but still kept the lead 58-55. The fourth and final quarter proved to be the most exciting and intense. Both teams were able to score at will and traded leads throughout the quarter. With three minutes left in the game, EWC had a six point advantage. With plenty of time left, but it working against them, the Plainswomen came storming back, recaptured the lead, and hung on for the 82-76 victory.
Scoring leaders for Northeastern would be Katie Diakhaby recording her 11th double-double with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Next would be Darci Finnigan with 18 points as 12 of the points would come from three point baskets. Kiara McElroy would rack up a solid 14 points while Kirsten Regennitter would have a great performance with 12 points. Lastly would be Tashika Burrell with a quiet 10 points.
The women will be on the road on Saturday January 27 as they travel for a tough road game against the Western Nebraska Cougars.