Everything seemed to be working for the Bulldogs in the first half. Their press caused many turnovers, and Paynesville was able to make a lot of easy layups. At the half, the Bulldogs had 26 points to the KnightsÕ 18.
"We had great offense and defense in the first half. The guards did a nice job of handling the press," coach Pat Deegan said.
In the third quarter, the Knights' played very good defense, only allowing eight points, which were all scored by Carin Frenchick. STMA surpassed Paynesville, making it 35-34 at the end of the third quarter.
The Bulldogs rallied to lead again by one, but STMA came up with a key blocked shot and tied the score with a free throw. Good defense for the Bulldogs at the end of regulation forced the game into overtime.
But for the second game in a row, the Bulldogs lost by four in overtime.
Leading the Bulldogs was Carin Frenchick with 18 points and nine rebounds. Steph Krupke also had a good game adding 14 points and seven assists. Tanya Lieser had 10 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots.
| Paynesville-- | 12 | 14 | 8 | 13 | 3 | - 50 |
| STMA-- | 12 | 6 | 17 | 12 | 7 | - 54 |
Paynesville 63
Maple Lake 30
On Friday, the Bulldogs headed back to Big Lake to play Maple Lake in the consolation championship. The Bulldogs won an easy decision 63-30.
The first quarter was very fast paced for the Bulldogs. PaynesvilleÕs guards were able to get quick hoops after Maple LakeÕs turnovers from the BulldogsÕ full-court pressure. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 19-5 with the Bulldogs ahead.
The Bulldogs never looked back and kept up the scoring pace. In the third quarter, the Bulldogs scored 21 points. Steph Krupke and Tanya Lieser contributed 19 of the third quarter points.
"Some of my starters only played half the game allowing everyone to get some playing time," said Deegan.
Leading the Bulldogs were Tanya Lieser and Steph Krupke with 17 and 16 points apiece. Hemmesch and Lieser also added eight boards each.
Last night the Bulldogs played at LPGE. Their next game will be at Dassel-Cokato on Jan. 4.
| Maple Lake-- | 5 | 4 | 10 | 11 | - 30 |
| Paynesville-- | 19 | 10 | 21 | 13 | - 63 |