The the Lady Griz seemed listless at times, downright frustrated at others while shooting a miserable 24.2 percent in the first half and a still-icy 35 percent on the game.
It took senior shooting guard Lauren Beck to charge Montana’s second-half offense. Beck ended with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field, three of four from three point range.
The young Lady Griz seem still searching for on-court chemistry as coach Robin Selvig works senior point guard Shaunte Nance-Johnson
Three freshmen, Katie Baker, Kenzie De Boer and Alyssa Smith are also fitting into the Montana system. along with upperclassmen Jessa Linford and Stephanie Stender.
Nine other Montana players scored, none more than Jessa Linford’s nine. Senior post Shadra Robison played 14 quality minutes, scoring eight points and grabbing three boards. Freshman post Baker scored eight points on a chilly 3-for-9 from the field, but compensated with an outstanding floor game, snaring six boards and grabbing five of Montana’s 16 total steals.
The Lady Griz swept the board battle,
Montana continued its improvement on defense, holding Western to 22.4 percent shooting from the field.
PHOTOS: Redshirt frosh Alexandra Hurley converts a second half shot over Montana-Western's Laura Geis. Hurey scored three points and had two rebounds. (Middle) Junior forward Sarah Ena battles for position against two Western defenders, including Chloe Mosey (52). Ena scored six points and had seven rebounds for the Lady Griz. Stephanie Stender (bottom) drives between two Western defenders in first-half action. Stender was scoreless, but pulled down five boards in the game.
Jessa Linford (background) looks on.
There will be no more gimmes for Montana, which now heads into the Gonzaga University kennel for a Thursday night showdown against the tough 8-2 dogs, losers to only South Dakota State and Stanford.
Montana returns home for a Sunday matchup against Idaho and then hits the road for a game at Portland on the 19th.
