St. Mary's hands K-P 54-48 loss

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) K-P's Briana Schaeuble stretches her arm to block a shot by RSM's Brielle Biezuns. Schaeuble recorded six blocks in the Lady Panthers' 54-48 loss to the Hawks Thursday in Kingsley. [Click to enlarge]

St. Mary's got what they needed Thursday night - a 54-48 win over Kingsley-Pierson - to boost their confidence heading into more tough contests in the next week.

The host Lady Panthers battled for the win as well, coming off a tough loss to Woodbury Central Tuesday.

K-P started strong, rolling to a 13-7 lead after eight minutes of action. The Lady Panthers held the lead at halftime as well, up 23-21 over the Hawks.

RSM caught up in the third quarter and after 24 minutes of play the squads were all knotted up at 34.

However, the Hawks found their power in the final quarter and pulled ahead of the hosts, giving way to a 54-48 victory for RSM, their first of the season.

RSM featured two players in double figures as Emma Krier netted 16 and Mercedees Ricke scored 15 in the win. Ricke led the defense with seven rebounds while Krier added five. Krier also grabbed five steals.

Emily Klein dished out six assists and grabbed four steals for the Hawks while Emily Roder crashed six boards and Brielle Biezuns pulled down five rebounds.

Kelsey Krieg led the Lady Panthers from the point guard spot with 19 points and four assists. Krieg also grabbed five steals to lead the squad.

Amanda Dirksen added four steals and a block while Briana Schaeuble blocked six shots for K-P.

Rebound statistics were not available for the Lady Panthers.

K-P and RSM both continue busy weeks tonight. The Lady Panthers travel to Mapleton to take on Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto while RSM hosts West Sioux in its home opener.