Lady Cougars pick up two Crossroads League victories

The MVNU women’s basketball team (9-15, 3-9) picked up two consecutive Crossroads League victories last week for the first time since 2014.

Wednesday night, the Lady Cougars rolled past (RV) Grace College 64-54, even with senior Megan Beidelman playing only about half the game. Returning from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury, Beidelman recorded just 20 minutes with six points and six rebounds.

“We needed people to step up,” Head Coach Amanda Short said.

Freshman Dani Ellerbrock, junior Natalie Carpenter and junior Sierra Basista scored in double digits.

Ellerbrock missed just two shots (8-10) on her way to 19 points. Carpenter recorded 14 and Basista tallied 13.

On Saturday afternoon, Short limited Beidelman’s playing time again as the Cougars defeated the University of Saint Francis 77-69.

In 23 minutes, Beidelman recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds and was happy with the team’s effort.

“We are finally putting the pieces together,” she said.

Ellerbrock, Carpenter and Basista all scored in double digits for the fourth straight game. Ellerbrock and Carpenter poured in 14 each and Basista recorded 11.

“Our mentality changed and we went after them in the fourth quarter which was huge,” said Short.

As the Cougars look to the end of conference play, they are “having fun” and giving it their all. “We are becoming stronger as a team on and off the court,” Beidelman said.

Coach Short is optimistic about the rest of the Lady Cougars’ Crossroads League play.

“We just have to keep protecting our home floor, and I think we definitely have the advantage with how our schedule is,” Short said.

The Lady Cougars will travel to Spring Arbor University on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.