Eden Valley-Watkins dominated the second half enabling the Eagles to close the book for the season on the Bulldogs 63-44.Paynesville traveled to Eden Valley attempting to gain revenge from an overtime loss back at the end of January. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were not in top form.
The first quarter and a half looked very promising for the Bulldogs. Paynesville boasted a 9-7 lead after the first quarter. In fact, Paynesville would build a seven-point lead in the second quarter. An Eagle outburst right before halftime knotted the game at 20.
Paynesville was led by Tanya Lieser in the first quarter as she scored 10 of the team’s 20 points.
The highlights for the Bulldogs would end at that point. Foul trouble and the inability to make shots from the field and free throw line led to the Bulldogs’ demise.
Paynesville would be outscored 43-24 in the second half. The Eagles focused on guarding senior Amber Michaelis, a top scorer for the Bulldogs, and she would be held without a field goal for the entire game.
Paynesville was unable to continue the super defense they played in the first half into the second.
The rebounding leaders for the Bulldogs were Tanya Lieser with 11, and Amber Michaelis and Carin Frenchick each with seven apiece.
Steph Krupke tallied five assists and two steals in the losing effort.
In addition to 13 points and 11 rebounds, Tanya Lieser blocked four shots and became the all-time single season shot blocker in school history.
Lieser finished with 92 blocks, surpassing the mark of 90 set in 1991 by Brenda (Meyer) Corrow.
Paynesville: 9 11 9 15 - 44
EV-W: 7 13 17 26 - 63