The Wolves get pumped for postseason play
Milwaukee, Wis. – The Trinity International Trojans were no match for the Cardinal Stritch University Wolves in the second round of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. The Wolves were led by seniors Michelle Stelloh (West Allis, Wis.) and Brittney Daum (Gilberts, Ill.) in the 94-69 win against TIU.
It was a quick start for Stritch, as they jumped out to a 24-point lead half way through the first period, carried by the hot hand of Stelloh, who hit five consecutive three-pointers. Daum also got in on the action behind the line, hitting three treys in the half. Both teams played aggressive defense, causing a combined 25 turnovers in the half. The Trojans put on a trap press at the close of the half that showed a Wolves weakness, as they scored four quick points on Wolves turnovers. It wasn’t enough to bring TIU back into the game, however, as Daum and Liz Neitzel (Lomira, Wis.) closed the half with three three-pointers to take a 56-31 advantage into the locker room.
Stritch and the Trojans traded baskets for the first few minutes of the second half, until a layup by Daum put the Wolves up by 31 points with 13 minutes to play. An 11-2 run by Trinity International brought the Trojans within 21 points of Stritch, however the hill was still too big to climb for TIU. The Wolves closed the game on two free throws by Jasmine Harris (Kansas City, Mo.), up 94-69.
Lavina Price (Albuquerque, N.M.) led the way for the Trojans with 21 points, while Melanie Duplessis (Lindenhurst, Ill.) and Cassie Glendenning (Stillman Valley, Ill.) each put up 12. Chamissa Anderson (Milford, Mich.) recorded a team-high five rebounds.
Stelloh went 9-11 from the field with seven three-pointers for 27 points to lead the Wolves. Daum and Neitzel added 21 and 18 points, respectively. Renet Skorusa (Lemont, Ill.) led under the boards, pulling down a game-high seven rebounds. Stelloh, Beth Gilgenbach (Fond du Lac, Wis.), and Caitlin Mize (Crystal Lake, Ill.) each earned six boards in the match-up. Neitzel dished out at game-high eight assists, while Gilgenbach contributed seven.
The Wolves improve to 27-2 overall with the win and advance to the CCAC Finals, which will be held in the Cardinal Stritch University Field House on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 2:00 p.m.