The Packers could not handle a big girl who is heading on to play Division I basketball next season.

Wednesday, December 22, 1999

The Packers could not handle a big girl who is heading on to play Division I basketball next season. New Prague’s Randi Wirt led the Trojans to a 71-40 win over the Packers. She scored 22 and grabbed 16 rebounds.

"We couldn’t stop her," Austin coach Slone Suess said.

It was a close game in the first quarter with New Prague up only 12-10. The Trojans then picked up their defense and offense and rolled up 23 points in the second while giving up eight.

"They used a 1-2-2 press on us," Suess said. "They caused a few turnovers and we made a few mental mistakes. A lot of turnovers hurt us."

After three it was 56-26.

Stacy Fisher was the leading scorer for Austin with 10 points. Sara Turvey put in seven, Jan Madson and Lauren Feller six each, and Gina Golberg four.

Austin (2-6, 2-2 in the Big Nine) takes to the court next Jan. 7 when they host Mankato East.

"I’m glad the non-conference season is over," Suess said. "We’re looking forward to playing hard in the Big Nine."

New Prague and Owatonna met each other in Section 1AAA finals last season with the Huskies moving on to state. Each team met the Packers this week, with Austin beating Owatonna on Friday.

Lyle/Pacelli Girls win third straight

Lyle/Pacelli routed Christian Life Academy, 60-23, in the second round of the Randolph Tourney on Tuesday.

The win was the girls’ third straight and puts them in the title game against Randolph on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Host Randolph topped New Life Academy Tuesday. Entering the title tile, L/P and Randolph are both 2-0 in the tourney.

Against CLA, L/P (3-5) played almost perfectly, committing just one turnover. L/P picked up 12 steals, five from Kari Leif, who has nine steals in the tournament.

Once again, Tammy May and Laura Nelson played huge for L/P.

Each contributed a second-straight double-double, with Nelson scoring 17 and grabbing 14 rebounds. May collected 14 points and 13 boards.

"They’ve played well lately," Coach Steve Baumann said. "They’ve been real aggressive down low."

Jenna Baumann added 13 points for L/P and Julie Rugg eight.

Melissa Ehret, playing her first game since joining the basketball team, scored six.