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2nd Regional game ends in defeat

By Staff | Mar 11, 2011

Coming off a win against Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood in the opening round of regional play on Monday night, Rugby was ready to keep going. They had just achieved winning the first game of regionals, a feat that had not been done in the last ten years by the Rugby girls team.

They took on Velva on March 8 and ended the first quarter with a two-point lead. Velva fought back in the second quarter adding 13 points to the scoreboard to Rugby’s 5, giving Velva a six-point lead at halftime.

The third quarter was back and forth with each team adding nine points but Velva still in the lead.

In the fourth quarter, Rugby fought back with a vengeance. The Hovland sisters were in on the action with Aubrey sinking two free throws followed by Crystal’s three free throws. With Aubrey making a basket and another free throw the score was tied at 28-28.

Velva used 20 turnovers to cause defeat, especially the three in the last minute and half of the game.

Earlier in the season, the Panthers lost a point guard leader in senior, Emily Paul who injured her knee in the second game of the season while playing against Velva, a game the Panthers won.

Senior Crystal Hovland and sophomore Aubrey Hovland have sometimes changed their positions to fill in where Paul so adeptly played. Switching positions takes Crystal away from her area of expertise. She is often the high point maker.

“We need Crystal in the paint,” said Rugby Coach Jen Brossart.

“When the girls tied it up in the fourth quarter they thought we could win, “added the coach.

Unfortunately, the final three turnovers that Rugby had were in the last minutes of the game and Velva was able to take advantage of those. The final score was 36-30.

“Turnovers have been our nemesis all season,” added Brossart.

As this paper was going to press, the Rugby girls were playing against Bishop Ryan for third place. Kenmare and Velva were scheduled to play for the championship title.