PRESS CONTACT:
Irene Borak
Director of Public Relations
10775 N. St. Helen Road
Roscommon, MI 48653
(989) 275-5000 ext. 242
ROSCOMMON – Despite four Lady Firebirds shooting in double digits, the Wildcats of Wayne County Community College defeated Kirtland 95-82 in a scrappy contest that saw three Firebirds and two Wildcats foul out of the game. This Monday, Jan. 9, road loss to Wayne put the Firebirds record at 9-8 overall (2-1 MCCAA).
“We played hard tonight, but just didn’t play well,” said Firebirds head coach Teresa Stuck. She noted that Wayne was “very motivated” to do well in this game after Kirtland beat them earlier in the season and because former Kirtland player Felon Harris is now playing for the Wildcats.
“And we committed too many little mistakes to win a close game,” continued Stuck. She noted they offered Wayne too many opportunities for lay-up shots and that turnovers were a problem.
Lizz Stempki, the Firebirds’ 5’10” freshman from St. Ignace, was high scorer for the Firebirds with 20 points. She also brought down 8 rebounds, topped only by Chelsey Williams’ (freshman, Houghton Lake) 10.
“Lizz played very aggressive for us offensively and was limited due to foul trouble,” Stuck said. “Onica Jones also had a nice game and Emily Henion was more aggressive in looking for her shot; something we need to see even more of.”
Jones, a freshman from Rochester, N.Y., scored 16 points for the Firebirds. Henion, a freshman from Frederic, added 12 and Rena Barnett (freshman, LeRoy) had 10. Rounding out the score were Williams with 9 points, Emilee Bruner (sophomore, Mio) with 8 and Nadia Blake (freshman, Toronto) with 7.
Sports fans have plenty of opportunity to watch the Lady Firebirds in action this month. After hosting Mott Community College on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 5:50 p.m. in the CRAF Center in Roscommon, they play three successive Saturday home games, Jan. 14, 21 and 28, taking on St. Clair County CC, Schoolcraft CC and Henry Ford CC. The women’s Saturday games begin at 1 p.m. Admission is free.