Packers can’t finish their upset bid
Published 11:42 pm Friday, January 27, 2017
- Austin’s Colie Justice cuts to the basket during the first half against Winona Friday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Austin girls basketball team put forth one of its best efforts of the season, but it ran out of gas down the stretch as it lost 67-58 to No. 5 ranked Winona in Ove Berven Gym Friday.
The Packers (7-9 overall, 6-7 Big Nine) led by as many as 10 points early in the second half, but they scored just five points in the final eight minutes of the game.
Austin’s Amber Hansen goes baseline on Winona’s Abby Winter during the first half Friday night in Ove Berven Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Winhawks (13-3 overall, 11-2 Big Nine) put the finishing touches on their comeback when Danneka Voegelli hit two free throws to put Winona up 56-53 with 6:56 left in the game and Maria Appicelli hit a three-pointer to make it 59-53 with 6:40 left.
“We gave a super team a run for their money,” Austin head coach Anna Meyer said. “We’ve been waiting to see that team all year and it was super awesome to see the girls play with all their heart. They gave it their all. It’s a huge confidence booster.”
Austin freshman Colie Justice came out on fire in the first half as she scored 17 of her 20 points in the first frame, that saw Austin jump out to a 41-35 lead at the break. Justice hit six three-pointers in the loss. Awenia Nywesh, who had 17 points and seven rebounds also played big in the first half for Austin.
Ausitn’s Elyse Hebrink gets past Winona’s Selena Lor during the first half Friday night in Ove Berven Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“We definitely showed up in the first half,” Justice said. “We knew they were tough, but that can’t change what you think. We brought a lot of positivity into it. We’re not about moral victories, but this one we’re really proud of.”
Justice and sophomore Abby Lewis, who had 16 points and six rebounds, have both grown and improved their game as the season has gone along for the Packers this year.
“It’ s been awesome seeing them grow into phenomenal athletes,” Meyer said. “They’re a huge part of our team and when they’re on, we’re all on.”
Amber Hansen had eight rebounds and three assists for Austin and Rebecca Younis had four assists.
Austin’s Rebecca Younis drives on Winona’s Eden Nibbelink during the first half Friday night in Ove Berven Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Winona 35 32 — 67
Austin 41 17 — 58
Austin scoring: Colie Justice, 20; Awenia Nywesh, 17; Abby Lewis, 16; Elyse Hebrink, 3; Emily Hegna, 2; free throws: 60 percent (3-for-5); rebounds: 37 (Amber Hansen, 8); turnovers: 17
Austin’s Awenia Nywesh reaches out for a loose ball against Winona in the first half Friday night in Ove Berven Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
