Women’s basketball edges out Kearney

The Chadron State women’s basketball team put their tough start to the season behind them on Saturday afternoon when they secured their second RMAC win against the Un

iversity of Nebraska Kearney. The Eagles and Lopers fought neck and neck though the fourth quarter, but a solid finish claimed a much needed 64-60 Eagle victory.

Explosive from the start, Chadron State’s Lexi Smidt, junior of North Platte, sank one of her six 3-pointers in the first twenty seconds of the game. Smidt’s game-high 18 points and seven rebounds were offset by Kaitlin Petri, senior of Kearney, who scored 16 points and marked six assists. Chadron’s Sadie Waugh, junior of Paxton, added 13 points and 11 rebounds.

“There are many components that went to helping us win the Kearney game, but I believe we played to our strengths and played as a team,” said Smidt.

The Eagles (2-11; 2-7 RMAC) were not particularly lethal from a shooting perspective in the first half, shooting just 25.9 percent (7-27) while UNK finished at 38.2 percent (10-29). Chadron’s defense performed more solidly, forcing seven turnovers in the first half.

The lead changed fifteen times throughout the game. Despite four Eagle turnovers in the last two minutes, Chadron took advantage of free throw shots and held the Lopers to 57 until the last eight seconds when Kearney’s Debi Johnson sank a 3-pointer.

According to CSC Sports Information, this was only the seventh Chadron victory over Kearney since they joined the RMAC in the 90s.

The Eagles will be back in action this weekend as they host New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, N.M. Friday and Western New Mexico, Silver City, N.M., Saturday. Tip-offs are set for 6 p.m.

Smidt is optimistic for this weekend.

“These upcoming games are winnable,” she said, “we just have to continue to play as a team.”

Highlands and Western are ranked 12th and 15th in RMAC standings, respectively.