(DCC release)
GLENDIVE - After losing a close one in Miles City a few weeks ago, Dawson Community College Lady Bucs returned the favor and defeated the Lady Pioneers 67-64 Thursday night. It was a tough battle, but Dawson managed to defend their home court and improved to 7-6 in conference and 15-15 overall. Miles Community College is now 10-3 in conference and 18-11 overall.
It was a good night to be a Lady Buccaneer in their last home game of the season on Sophomore Night at the DCC Toepke Center. Per tradition under Head Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr., both sophomores Arena Plenty and Kitawna Little Light started the game on their special night. Dawson won the first quarter and tied in the second, going into half-time leading 29-24. Dawson continued their strong play by winning the third, but Miles didn't let them off the hook. The Lady Pioneers made a comeback of their own, relying on Binta Salawu, and won the 4th quarter 24-16. Salawu finished with 31 points and 8 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough as the comeback fell short. Dawson won the rebounding battle 50-38. The Lady Bucs also had 14 assists and 9 steals. The Lady Pioneers shot 44% from the field compared to Dawson's 35%. The difference in the game was two of the Lady Pioneers best players fouling out of the game. Dawson has had several of their players foul out of games this season, but not on this night.
Coach Lagmay repeated his familiar quote from the past, "On any given day or night, we can beat any team we want, but we can also lose to any team. Tonight we displayed what our Lady Bucs can do. If anything, they have always had a winning spirit in them all season. I was very pleased to see our team come together and click as every individual pulled their own weight, and made it a thrilling team victory. This is a team of surprises and unknowns, where you just don't know what you're going to get. In the meantime, Buc Nation would like to thank Arena and Kitawna for their hard work and services in representing the Dawson campus and Glendive community so well."
Megan Lindbo of Helena Capital HS led the team with 18 points, and she had 5 rebounds. Ashya Klopfenstein had a double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Ashley Orozco had 12 points of her own, along with a well-rounded game of 8 rebounds, and a game high 7 assists and 5 steals.
Dawson will play their last conference game on the road at Bismarck State on Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 pm CST. The Lady Bucs will find out their tournament seeding and opponent on Monday.
