Lady Rustlers fall to Gillette Pronghorns

It was a tough game for the lady Rustlers at last night’s game against Gillette College Pronghorns; losing by eight points, 66-58.

The Pronghorns had an 11 point lead in the first half but the Rustlers fought back to take the lead in the second half, 38-35. They kept a close margin in rebounds, pulling down 29 to the Pronghorns 36 but were unable to regain points lost from the first half.

Scoring in double digits for the team were Olivia Thompson of Shoshoni, Wyoming with 16 and Jessie Underberg from Douglas, Wyoming with 18 points.

“We started off well but our offense struggled for a good majority of the game,” said Serol Stauffenberg, head coach. “They attacked us with their press and half-court defense and we became passive. When we attacked, we did just fine.”

Thompson who had two steals for the game shot 10-13 free throws. Key player, Olivia Elliss from Oren, Utah, came out of the game in the second quarter with an injury; leaving three players on the bench due to injuries. Riverton girl Savannah Salisbury only played five games this season before being sidelined with a knee injury.

The Rustlers shot 28-34 free throws during the contest, making that an 82.4 percent conversion while the Pronghorns shot 65.2 percent. Both teams lacked the percentage in three-pointers; however the Pronghorns took the lead in points from the field, shooting 40.7 percent to the Rustlers 29.1 percent.

“Defensively I was very pleased with our effort,” Coach Stauffenberg said. “I was also pleased with how we adjusted due to injury and foul trouble. We hung in there and made it a close game at the end.”

Athletic Director Steve Barlow said it was great to have the women’s team back on home court after the break and a long road trip.

“They are a competitive group and we are looking forward to being back home against Sheridan on January 20,” Barlow said.

The lady Rustlers will play Casper College on Saturday in Casper but will return to their home court on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and will play Sheridan College.