Augusta starts out with mixed bag
The Augusta girls basketball team started their new season under the direction of a new head coach, Darrin Nelson, and assistant coach, Byron King as they traveled to Eau Claire for a conference match-up with the Immanuel Lancers on Monday, Nov. 24.
In their first game of the season the Beavers took a hit, losing 62-49, but turned around and posted a 64-55 win on the following night at Cornell.
Against the Lancers, Augusta fell behind 17-11 in the first quarter, gained a couple points and had the game within 36-32 at halftime. The game was tied briefly in the third, but the Lady Beavs found themselves down 44-40 at the third buzzer.
The Lancers pierced the Beavers offense with a tight box-and-one defense as they outscored the Augusta team 18-9 in the fourth quarter, handing the Beavers a loss.
Senior Dani Nelson put up 21 points to lead the Augusta team followed by fellow senior Kayla Erdman, who had 14. Senior Katelyn Randall and sophomore Katie Nelson each grabbed nine rebounds and five steals to top the Beavers in those categories. Katie Nelson also dished out four assists to aid the team.
In their Tuesday night contest, the Augusta team traveled to Cornell and dominated the initial eight minutes with a 24-11 lead. The Beavers headed to the locker room at the end of the half with a 38-26 lead.
Dani Nelson was called with a fourth foul within minutes of starting the third and warmed the bench for the remainder of the quarter. With a senior out, the small squad struggled a bit against their opponent’s defense. This helped the Cornell team change the momentum of the game, and brought the score within six by the end of the third.
The close game kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the fourth quarter, with Augusta pulling off a 64-55 victory to edge Cornell.
Junior Cathy Renneke recorded her first career double-double scoring 16 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Dani Nelson scored 23 points to top out the offense. Katie Nelson secured eight boards and handed out three assists while junior Maddie McConville grabbed six steals in the 64-55 victory.
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