Girls BB: Getting closer

Sofia Chadwick goes up for two her game-high 20 points (photo by Jim Lindquist)

After three road games the Tigers finally got to play in their own back yard Tuesday night. The home court advantage didn't produce the first win of the season but it did feature some improved play in a 55-51 non-conference loss to Rosemount.

"The  girls showed tremendous improvement over Tuesday night’s game at Mayo," Tiger coach Sondra Chadwick said. "We shot well and played great defense.

"I told the girls prior to the game that whoever won at the foul line would end up winning the game and that ended up being the difference."

The Irish made 20 of 30 from the charity stripe while Farmington converted on 11 of 18 chances.

Despite the free throw disparity, the Tigers hit the halftime break clinging to a one-point lead at 24-23.

 "I was pleased with the first half even though we made some mental mistakes towards the end and we gave up too many offensive boards," Chadwick said.

The Irish went on a mini-run at the start of the second half to build a seven-point lead but the Tigers clawed their way back to make it close the rest of the way.

Farmington trailed just 53-51 and had the ball with 15 seconds to play before a turnover and a couple of Rosemount free throws pushed the final margin back to four points.

Abby Gallus 12 points (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Sofia Chadwick grabbed game-scoring honors with 20 points and also dished out a team-high seven assists. Abby Gallus hit double figures for the third straight game with 12  points.

Kaitlyn Gorden, playing her first game since transferring from Eastview, led in rebounds with eight and also provided some physical defensive play.

Sydney Speer contributed six points, five steals and four rebounds and Jordyn Homeier had five rebounds off the bench.

"These girls are starting to believe in themselves and I think they were rightfully frustrated with the outcome of the game knowing it was within their grasp," Chadwick said.

"I am hoping this is the beginning of a turning point for them to take their game to the next level. They are maturing quickly."

Next up for the Tigers is a matinee match-up with Bloomington Jefferson Saturday in Bloomington.