Alexandria girls' basketball: Cardinals alone in second place

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Alexandria grabbed sole possession of second place in the Central Lakes Conference Tuesday night, knocking off Rocori 52-27.

The Cardinals and the Spartans were tied for the second place spot with 5-2 records heading into Tuesday’s game, but Alexandria’s defense stepped up big against a squad averaging 48-plus points per game and holding them to just 27.

“The Cardinals dug in to stop a Rocori team that has been red hot lately to stymie them and pull away in the second half for a big CLC victory,” said head coach Wendy Kohler. “[It was a] great team effort as many Cardinals saw playing time to contribute their skills and energy in a collaborative effort.”

Amanda Christianson paced the offensive effort with 15 and Karly Betterman added 11.

“Our defense was flying as the Cards frustrated the Spartans,” said Kohler. “We got out on the break and controlled tempo for most of the game.

“Patience and execution with proper temp were key factors as we have improved in this area this week.”

Alexandria didn’t allow a single Rocori player to reach double figures.

The Cardinals host a key matchup tonight, Friday, when top-ranked Fergus Falls comes to town in a battle of the top two teams in the CLC.

Alexandria will then host Sartell on January 24.

ALEXANDRIA 52,

ROCORI 27

ROCORI 15 12 — 27

ALEXANDRIA 23 29 —52

ROCORI – Abby Templin 7, Shaina Schmitz 5, Heather Buerman 4, Kim Ficker 4, Kristen Mehr 3, Maggie Young 2, Ashley Svihel 2.

ALEXANDRIA – Amanda Christianson 15, Karly Betterman 11, Amanda Gould 7, Kalli Bowser 5, Dani Strater 3, Sarah Bruzek 3, Emily Thul 2.

BIG SHOWDOWN TONIGHT

Alexandria will host the top-ranked team in the state as Fergus Falls comes to town for a 7:30 p.m. game

Fergus Falls is unbeaten this season and holds down the top spot in the Central Lakes Conference, while Alexandria stands in second place

In their last meeting, the Otters handed the Cardinals a 73-43 loss on the road

Fergus Falls also defeated the Cards in the Section 8AAA?championship last year, avenging a loss to Alexandria in the section finals in 2011

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, cardinals, girls, basketball