The Lady Mustangs didn’t know what to expect when they walked onto the MEH court last night to play the Strasburg Rams. Mason’s record was 10-4 and they were ranked number seven in the region while Strasburg was 11-2 and ranked ahead of them at number four.
The game got off to quick start, Stasburg’s #42, Smoot, began the game with a quick three pointer right off the bat. Almost immediately, junior Nicole Mitchell retaliated with an equally beautiful three. The energy of the game became palpable immediately and each team pushed the other team’s man-to-man offense almost to the limit. Not soon after, still in the first quarter, Strasburg coach Joel Morgan received a technical after a questionable call.
The game remained fast paced throughout the half, where the Mustangs held the Rams to a mere seven points which was measly compared to Mason’s 29. After the half, the Rams insisted on playing man to man defense and continued to get beat to the basket. The Mustangs had an outstanding offensive game; freshman Lauren Kane scored 14 points along with four steals, freshman Bria Platenburg scored 10, Nicole Mitchell had 12 points and three assists, junior Chantal Thomas had seven points and three assists, and senior Kim Kenny had seven points and seven rebounds. Seniors Abby Stroup and Mayssa Chehata chipped in with a combined six points.
Not only was the Mustang offense on target, their defense was as well. The Rams only scored two points in the second quarter, both of which came from free-throws. Not only that, but Strasburg all-star seniors Ayers and Smoot were kept to six points each.
By the end of the third quarter, Stasburg’s Ayers had four fouls and the Mustangs were leading by 25 points. Mustangs Coach LaBryan Thomas began to sub in second and third string players and the morale of the Strasburg Rams was waning. The Mustangs finished strong with a 56-22 finish.
“Great teamwork all around. Everyone played their hearts out!” exclaimed tired out freshman, Lauren Kane.
“Everyone played with intensity the whole game, we played with heart,” agreed freshman Bria Platenburg.
“The team did very well overall; this was a great win for the Mustangs,” said Mason Coach Thomas. “Stasburg’s a good team, we just caught them on an off night.”
With a big win such as this, what could be in store for the team? “We gotta stay focused, we’re at the top of the pack!” said Coach Thomas.
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