It took a huge second half effort, but the Silverstreak girls pulled it all together to hand Melrose a 58-55 loss Tuesday night in non-conference basketball action.
"We again came out a little flat to start the game," said Osakis coach Steve Christians of his team's first half of play. "With about three minutes left in the first half, we were down 28-15.
"The girls picked up their intensity and finished the half on an 8-0 run, which gave us some momentum."
Osakis trailed 28-23 at the break, but outscored the Dutchmen 35-27 in the second half.
"After playing from behind for most of the game, we finally pulled ahead at 44-43 with about seven minutes left and built the lead to seven with about three minutes left," Christians said. "Whitney Lee, Katie Didier and Kelsey Proell hit some key free throws down the stretch.
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"Lee ended up 6-for-6 at the free throw line for the game and we were 11-for-16 in the second half."
Melrose missed 17 free throws in the game and had 31 turnovers as they dropped to 5-4.
"I was really proud of the girls tonight," added the Silverstreak coach. "They played with a lot of heart and desire. Melrose is a physical and aggressive team.
"We are starting to handle the pressure a lot better. Plus, we were able to step up our defense and force 31 turnovers by Melrose."
The Silverstreaks were led by Lee with 16 points and Jacque Quistorff and Kelsie Larson with 10 each.
GAME SCORECARD
OSAKIS 23 35 58
MELROSE 28 27 55
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OSAKIS - Rachael Grundman 6, Kelsey Proell 8, Alicia Wagner 2, Whitney Lee 16, Katie Didier 6, Jacque Quistorff 10, Kelsey Larson 10. Field goals 21-42, 3-pt 0-3, Free throws 16-26, Fouls 24, Assists 12 (Quistorff 3, Wagner 3), Rebounds 33 (Larson 9), Steals 11 (Lee 4), Turnovers 24.
MELROSE - Erica Feldewerd 11, Samie Fuchs 2, Victoria Kuhns 5, Becky Reimann 11, Krista Moorman 7, Steph Schmiesing 6, Tiffany Yarke 13. Field goals 19, Free throws 16-33, Fouls 23.
