Lady Bulldogs prepare for final regular season match up on Friday

One game remains on the Lady Bulldogs regular season schedule and as the team prepares for what may come in the post season, they continue to work on lowering turnovers and working together as a team. Last week, Haxtun competed in one game, on the road in Akron, where they fell to the Lady Rams despite an impressive first half that found the Lady Bulldogs down by just four at the midway mark.

"As a senior, watching my team grow from where we began this season to where we are now has been an incredibly rewarding feeling," said Grace Gibson, one of the team's three seniors on this year's roaster. "Every practice, everyone is constantly competing with each other and giving 110 percent. Numerous hours are spent in the gym, however outside of the court, we watch film, along with discuss games, whether it is ours or another team's, with fellow teammates. The way we have been playing in games now is because of the increased amount of commitment each player has given."

That commitment on and on the court is evident as the Lady Bulldog's growth is seen each week on the hardwood. In Akron last week, Haxtun put seven points on the board in the first quarter and nine in the second while holding the Lady Rams to just 20 in the whole first half. The Lady Bulldogs trailed 20-16 at half time. Akron stepped up the offensive pressure in the third, putting 15 points on the board compared to Haxtun's eight. The fourth saw a battle of both teams as the Rams and Bulldog each put up double digits. In the end, Akron notched the 53-38 win.

Junior Cassidy Goddard racked up 15 points in the contest Friday night. She connected with four field goals and sunk seven free throws. Sophomore Bobbi Starkebaum added four shots under the basket and made one shot from the charity strip to earn nine on the night. Sophomore Emily Anderson tallied five points.

Under the basket, Starkebaum pulled down nine rebounds, the team high. She nabbed three on offense and six on defense. Goddard registered two rebounds on offense and six on defense for a total of eight. Anderson, Starkebaum and Cassidy Goodwin each tallied two assists. Starkebaum and Goddard each registered one steal.

"At the beginning of our season, our turnover average was too high for anyone's liking. In the past month, we have lowered that average immensely, along with working on our shooting and free throw work, which has been subtly improving each game," Gibson said.

Over the past few weeks, the Lady Bulldogs have picked up several big wins including those over Caliche, Holyoke and Otis it give them an overall 7-11 record. "I would say the best part of having some big wins under our belt is the increase in confidence and trust the team has acquired," said Gibson. "The reason we have been able to compete with some of the better teams is because we believe in ourselves and each other."

This week Haxtun is set to face off with the Lady Rams from Merino at home on Friday night. According to MaxPreps, the Lady Rams are currently 15-2 with losses to Flatirons Academy and Stratton.

Game time in Haxtun on Friday is 4 p.m. The night will feature a performance from Haxtun's youth as part of cheer camp happening this week as well as parent's night recognition.