Lady Cougars let Raiders "rebound" to a win.

January 31, 2007    KVCC (67) vs. Grand Rapids CC (69) in Cougar Arena, Kalamazoo, MI

         Good start - disappointing finish.....  For one of the few times in recent memory the Lady Cougars were dominated on the boards and it ultimately cost them.  Out rebounded by a hustling GRCC squad that seemed to be a half step quicker on this night, the Cougars let one get away from them in the second half after leading 31-27 at halftime.  "We've had some nights when we allowed way too many offensive rebounds but were able to get away with it.  Tonight that was not the case."  said an unhappy Coach Welch.  "You cannot give a quality team like Grand Rapids extra possessions and expect to have the outcome not be influenced.  You can't expect to win after giving up 26 offensive rebounds.  The fact that we actually had a shot to win the game at the end is amazing and a tribute to our competitiveness, but unless we figure out that we must play defense and rebound - all the time - we're not going to attain the goals we have set for ourselves."  The home loss was the first of the season in the friendly confines of Cougar Arena for the Cougars who saw their conference record fall to 7-2, dropping them into a tie for the lead with Saturday's opponent, Kellogg Community College.
                                                                                               
      Shooting only 34% on the night, the Lady Cougars placed three in double figures, paced by 14 each for Charity Knight and Kim Gear.  Kendra Kutz chipped in with 10 points.  The Cougars shot better from three (8/21-38%) than they did from inside the arc (13/40-32%), missing numerous "puppies" and put backs.  "I think we underestimated Grand Rapids because of the way we handled them the first time we played (a 24 point KVCC win in GR)." said Coach Welch. "I guess we still haven't learned that we have to respect the fact that every team in this league is capable of jumping up and getting you if you don't give your best effort." 

      The feeble effort on the boards was lead by Kim gear with eight.  Amber Peters, Kendra Kutz and Telisha Saunders each chipped in five rebounds.  "I thought Betsey Dennis and  Telisha were bright spots for us tonight.  Gear was solid, even tho she struggled from the field." Coach Welch commented.  "Saunders has been coming on and Betsey always plays hard.  Charity shot well, but not from three.  She's such a battler that she usually finds a way to score.  Kendra was saddled with some early foul trouble, but still got to double figures.  We battled, but Grand Rapids made the plays late.  Perhaps one of the things I was pleased about was the way we executed to get a good look for the final shot.  We got an open look for our best three point shooter and it didn't go.  I applaud Betsey for having the courage to take the shot.  It was just a bit long."

                        
                                       Betsey Dennis                                                                                                       Charity Knight
   
      League play continues Saturday as the Lady Cougars host the team that gave them their first loss on the season, the Lady Bruins of Kellogg CC.  Game time in Cougar Arena is 1:00 pm.  "With our loss today, this game Saturday takes on even more significance." commented the Cougar coach.  "We can't afford another loss, let alone another home loss in the conference race.  We're tied with KCC right now and can put ourselves back in control of our own destiny with a win. This should be an excellent college basketball game. We look forward to the challenge!"

                                                                                                             Pictures courtesy of Jill Welch