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Minnewaska, which moved to the West Central Conference North from the West Central Conference South this year, was undefeated in six overall games and three conference games so far. But the Dogs handed them their first loss by holding them to 19 points in the second half.

"The girls stepped up their defense in the second half," said coach Jackie Parsley. "They stayed aggressive and didn't give up, and we finally got over that hump. It was a great Christmas present to themselves."

The girls sang their own version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" on the bus ride home following the win, said Parsley of the team's excitement over their victory.

Senior Ashley Lieser (13) - shown fighting for a rebound - had seven points and six rebounds against Minnewaska on Thursday.

The victory was the Dogs' first in the WCC North this winter. They improved to 1-3 in the conference, though their losses are to state powers Albany and New London-Spicer and a two-point defeat at Melrose.

Minnewaska took an eight-point lead at halftime 24-16, as the Lakers made four three-pointers in the first half. The Dogs, however, scored 30 points in the second half, including going nine for nine at the free throw line. For the game, the Dogs made 10 of 12 free throws, outscoring the Lakers (two of five) by eight from the charity stripe.

Senior Brooke Schmitz led the Dogs with 14 points, including nine in the second half, going five for five at the free throw line in the second half. She added seven rebounds and four steals.

Sophomore Brittni Schmitz added eight points and three steals, senior Ashley Lieser added seven points and six rebounds, and junior Jacque Schlangen added six points and two steals.

The Dogs (2-5 overall, 1-3 in the WCC North) do not play again until January. Their next game is Friday, Jan. 6, at home against LPGE.

Paynesville--	16	30	- 46
Minnewaska--	24	19	- 43

SCORING: (FG-FT/FTA-PTS)
Paynesville 49 - Brooke Schmitz 4-5/5-14; Brittni Schmitz 4-0/1-8; Ashley Lieser 3-0/0-7; Jacque Schlangen 3-0/0-6; Jessica Klein 1-2/2-4; Lynn Lieser 1-1/2-3; Allyson Klenke 1-0/0-2; Marissa Mackedanz 0-2/2-2; TOTALS: FG 17/37, FT 10/12, 3's 2.

Minnewaska 43 - Lindsay Solmonson 4-2/2-13; Shiona Beecher 6-0/0-12; Kaitlyn Olson 3-0/0-7; Cassie Jacobs 2-0/1-4; Tiffany Kocher 1-0/0-3; Kayla McIver 1-0/0-2; Jamie Schley 1-0/2-2; TOTALS: FG 18, FT 2/5, 3's 5.

STATISTICS: 3-pointers - 2 Ashley Lieser 1; Brooke Schmitz 1; Rebounds - 28 Brooke Schmitz 7; Ashley Lieser 6; Jessica Klein 5; Assists - 4; Steals - 11 Brooke Schmitz 4; Brittni Schmitz 3; Schlangen 2; Blocks - 1.

NL-S 53, Paynesville 43
The Bulldogs rallied, but lost, against state-power New London-Spicer on Tuesday, Dec. 20, losing the home conference game 53-43.

The Wildcats, a neighboring school and section rival, are a familiar opponent to the Dogs and moved to the WCC North this year, meaning the Dogs will play the Cats twice this year.

NL-S used a 13-0 run to start the game to take the lead for good. The Bulldogs played better after their slow start, with the Cats outscoring them 19-13 over the rest of the first half, but the Dogs trailed at halftime 32-13.

In the second half, the Dogs outscored the Cats 30-21. Senior wing Brooke Schmitz led the Dogs with a dozen points in the second half, including three three-pointers. Junior post Jacque Schlangen added three field goals - six points - in the second half.

The Dogs also defended the Cats' posts, Renae Henjum and Jenn Wendlandt, better in the second half. They combined for 10 field goals and 21 points in the first half and only two field goals and eight points in the second half.

"Paynesville fought back hard," said Dogs coach Jackie Parsley. "The strong second half fell short, but the girls kept fighting. Rebounding was a lot better for us in the second half."

Schmitz led the Dogs with 14 points, three assists, and two steals. Senior forward Lynn Lieser added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Schlangen finished the game with eight points.

Ninth grader Jessica Klein scored her first varsity point in the game with a free throw and also had two blocks for the Dogs.

Henjum scored 21 points for NL-S to lead all scorers. Wendlandt had nine points and almost half of the Cats' rebounds with 20 caroms.

New London-Spicer--	32	21	- 53
Paynesville--	15	15	- 60

SCORING: (FG-FT/FTA-PTS)
New London-Spicer 53 - Renae Henjum 8-5/11-21; Cassidy Vogt 4-0/0-10; Jenn Wendlandt 4-1/2-9; Lindsey Imdieke 1-2/2-5; Kelsey O'Fallon 1-2/4-5; Ellary Ashe 1-0/1-3; TOTALS: FG 19/54, FT 10/20, 3's 5.

Paynesville 43 - Brooke Schmitz 4-3/5-14; Lynn Lieser 3-5/8-11; Jacque Schlangen 4-0/0-8; Brittni Schmitz 3-1/2-7; Allyson Klenke 1-0/0-2; Jessica Klein 0-1/2-1; TOTALS: FG 15/51, FT 10/17, 3's 3.

STATISTICS: 3-pointers - 3 Brooke Schmitz 3; Rebounds - 40 Lynn Lieser 10; Ashley Lieser 8; Assists - 13 Ashley Lieser 3; Brittni Schmitz 3; Brooke Schmitz 3; Steals - 4 Brooke Schmitz 2; Blocks - 6 Klein 2.