In a hard-fought matchup against Highland Community College Kansas, the 11th ranked Lady Pirates notched a defensive victory with a final score of 56-53. The win improved NCMC's record to 14-4 with a road matchup Saturday against Southeast CC next on the schedule.
Bailey Fleming demonstrated her scoring ability, leading the team with 13 points, including three successful three-pointers. However, the team struggled collectively from beyond the arc, shooting at a 26.9% rate.
Nateonia Russell showcased her versatility with 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. She played a pivotal role in both scoring and facilitating plays for her teammates. Her stellar defense was also a key to victory.
Tori Meinecke displayed an impressive performance on the glass, contributing 10 rebounds, including 8 on the defensive end. While she faced challenges in scoring, her efforts on the boards were crucial for North Central Missouri's rebounding game.
Mary Copeland made a significant impact in the paint, also securing 10 rebounds and contributing 4 points.
The reserves, including LaKorria Brown with 11 points and Kiara Franklin with 8 points, provided valuable contributions off the bench.
North Central Missouri faced adversity, shooting at a 32.7% rate from the field and 26.9% from three-point range. Additionally, the team struggled with turnovers, committing 20 throughout the game. Despite the offensive struggles, NCMC relied on their defense and they held Highland to just 16 points in the second half after trailing by 7 points at the break. This defensive tenacity and grit proved the difference in the tightly contested game.
