Minot State University @ Mayville State

January 09, 2010

Mayville State played extremely well in the afternoon game after a tough loss the night before. The Comets were led by Ali Sonstelie on offense with her game-high 28 points. Sonstelie did most of her damage from the three point line hitting 8 shots from beyond the arch, including a 30 foot bomb with .6 seconds left to send the game into overtime.

The Lady Comets had a great all-around effort from forward Danielle Guilbert. Guilbert finished the game with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. She was strong with the ball all night and made many tough shots to keep the team in the game. Guilbert fouled out in the final minute of regulation.

The Comets also had a great night from sophomore Erin Ericson. Ericson came off the bench to score 20 points hitting three point shots. Ericson’s offense off the bench was crucial to keep the girls in the game and complete the second half comeback.

Minot State leaned heavily on the play of guard Ari Hendrix in this contest. Hendrix finished the contest with 23 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Hendrix hit clutch shot after clutch shot down the stretch and got her teammates plenty of open shots.

Caroline Folven and MacKenize Mack were a good duo in the paint for the Beavers. Folven finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds while Mack had 17 points and 5 rebounds. The two were a tough inside force to stop and along with Ari Hendrix on the perimeter, proved to be a formidable big three.

Down four at halftime, the Girls came out in the second half playing much better. Good ball movement and hot outside shooting got the girls back into the game. With 6.6 seconds left and a one point deficit, Danielle Guilbert fouled Ari Hendrix committing her fifth personal foul and taking her out of the game. Hendrix hit both free throws giving the Beavers a three point advantage. Ali Sonstelie took the ball out of bounds to Kelli Smart who started her way up the court for the last second attempt. Sonstelie made it up the court trailing smart and got the ball with less than 2 seconds left and took the game-tying three from the volleyball lines. The shot fell through with .6 seconds left to get the fans off their feet and ready for more action.

In the extra session the girls seemed to be running out of energy and playing off emotion from the Sonstelie buzzer-beater. Minot State took control in the extra set and put the game away. Our girls had a great effort and played with a lot of heart and determination. The end result is just a sour note to a great game.

The Comets are now 5-10 on the season. Their next action is Friday, January 15, 2010 against Black Hill State University (11-5) on the road.

-Marcus Hagness