Women win big in tournament opener

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The LCC women’s basketball team is on its way to the district semifinal after a dominant win against Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 61-39, on Tuesday, March 5.

In the district quarterfinal, the Stars came out strong, taking a 16-5 lead in the first quarter. LCC did not slow down from there and went up 54-28 by the end of the third quarter.

The Stars controlled the whole game, only being outscored in the fourth quarter, when the outcome had already been decided.

LCC freshman center Kara Bartels said the team focused on what it always does.

“(We) just continued to push and keep going on offense and defense,” Bartels said.

Bartels was the leading scorer for the Stars with an efficient 16 points on 58-percent shooting from the field.

Freshman guard Ellie Humble followed, scoring nine for LCC and recording the only block of the night for Stars.

LCC freshman Kara Bartels (3) shoots against Kalamazoo Valley CC March 5. Photo by Kaitlyn Delaney

LCC started the game with a new starting lineup that included sophomore guard Alivia Densemore and freshman guard Ivana McCollum. Freshmen guards Peyton Anderson and Bailey Hosford, who continue to heal from ankle injuries, came off the bench and played limited minutes.

“We have a deep roster where all can contribute and, depending on the opponent, I feel confident with many variations in the starting lineup,” LCC Head Coach Megan Hudson said.

Nerves can be high in the post-season, and that is exactly what Bartels said she experienced.

“I was really nervous going into the game,” Bartels said. “I normally just try and focus on things I can control and once the game starts the nerves go away.”

This win was the Stars’ first post-season win with the new coaching staff, and Hudson said the experience was amazing.

“We were very happy to check that off the list of what we’d like to accomplish together,” Hudson said.

The big home crowd also played a part in suppressing Bartels's nerves.

“Having a home crowd really did help bring the energy we needed,” Bartels said. “Having lots of people there is always super fun.”

Hudson added: “Lansing showed up and gave us an amazing home-court advantage. We fed off the energy for sure.”

Because of a week off since the Stars last played, Hudson said they had to stay fresh and focused.

“We added in some variety and fun into warm-ups and scheduled a session with our shooting coach partners,” Hudson said.

The Stars’ next game will be the District C semifinal against Cuyahoga Community College at Ballenger Fieldhouse at Mott Community College on Thursday, March 7. Action starts at 9 a.m. The rest of the districts will be held through Saturday, March 9.