Lady Eagles Drop Final Two Conference Games

The Lady Eagles played their last away games of the regular season this past weekend.  On Friday night Faith took on conference opponent Ozark Christian College.  The game started out close and was back and forth with both teams exchanging leads.  Ozark would go on a 19-7 run though to close out the first half, giving them a 33-22 lead at the break. 

The second half started out all wrong for Faith as they would not make their first field goal until eight minutes into the half.  Ozark came out hot in the second half and would increase their lead to 30 at one point.  Ozark shot 48% in the second half as they wore the Lady Eagle's down. Ozark won the game with a final score of 69-49.  Ashley Pearson would lead the way for Faith with 17 points and 14 rebounds.  Laura Garwick would collect a double-double as well with 12 points and 10 rebounds.  Shannon Steffen chipped in 11 points, and 5 rebounds.

Saturday's matchup featured another conference opponent.  The Lady Eagles would take on the Lady Warriors of Calvary Bible College.  The last time these two teams met the game was decided by just 2 points in favor of Calvary.  This game would also prove to be a close one as there was 7 ties and 11 lead changes throughout the game.  The first half was a defensive battle as Calvary would force The Lady Eagles into 14 turnovers, but Faith was able to hold Calvary to just 22% shooting from the field.  The Lady Warriors would take a 20-15 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The second half scoring would pick up slightly by both teams, but defense would still determine the outcome of the game.  Calvary would increase their lead to 14 with 7:19 to go in the game.  The Lady Eagles would make their run in the last seven minutes of the game holding Calvary to just 3 points.  Laura Garwick would make both her free throws with 17 seconds remaining in the game.  Faith then fouled Calvary twice sending them to the line for a one and one opportunity.  Calvary would miss the front end of the one and one and Faith controlled the rebound, but then turned it over on the outlet pass, and Calvary would dribble out the clock and win the game by a final score of 45-42.  Laura Garwick led Faith in scoring with 12 points and had 11 rebounds.  Holly Shepard and Shannon Steffen both had 11 points, and Ashley Pearson chipped in 6 points, and would finish with 21 rebounds.

The Lady Eagles will take on Crossroads College of Rochester, MN on Tuesday night this week as they prepare for the MCCC Tournament coming up this weekend.  Faith will take on host Barclay College in the first round of the tournament.