January 23, 2023

Lady Eagles Inch Closer to Top Spot in Conference

Barclay College

Faith Baptist Bible College

Final

Barclay College

Faith Baptist Bible College

Manhattan Christian College

Faith Baptist Bible College

Final

Manhattan Christian College

Faith Baptist Bible College

By Jon Crossman

ANKENY, Iowa—The enterprising Eagles continued their hot-streak with another entertaining show at home, shutting out two conference opponents while improving their conference record to 6-1. The team has looked nigh unstoppable in the new year, keeping both feet on the gas for a victory in seven of their last eight games since returning from Christmas break. Their one loss came against Ozark Christian College, a formidable team who continues to hang on to the top spot in the conference.

In their first challenge, the ladies faced off against Barclay College, the team that started it all in the New Year with a 55-47 victory by Faith. This time around proved to be a tighter race, with the Bears determined to play a more physical game against the rested Eagles. Barclay put up an even spread on offense, showing their sharing nature with 10 total Bears making it on the scoring sheet and a strong 22-point performance from the bench. The Eagles found themselves falling back into turnover trouble with 19 turnovers in just the second and third quarter alone, a crippling vice that had caused some headache earlier in the season for the Eagles. Thankfully they turned the tables in the final third of the game, with 13 fourth quarter rebounds and three free throws from Mikayla Jones in expiring time allowing the Eagles to escape with victory, 49-46.

Backed by the ecstatic cheers of the home crowd, the ladies managed a rock-solid defense in their second game, stifling Manhattan Christian to under 40 points in the 52-38 victory. Defense proved to be the deciding factor in the game, with the Eagles' scoring line having a relatively quiet night with just two players reaching double digits. Mikayla Jones (20 points) and Rachel Kleczka (14) led the effort, with the two centers Whitney Wacker (6) and Belle Wirges (4) cleaning up under the basket. Manhattan didn't let up easily, fighting through for a total of seven different lead changes and a close chase up until the final quarter. The Eagles poured on 18 points in the final quarter, squashing any chances of a comeback.

The Eagles face another chance at climbing their way up the conference rank this Tuesday against Emmaus Bible College, who they defeated in their last encounter with a 30-point win. The game will take place in Dubuque, Iowa, starting at 4:00 p.m. on January 24.