Local Sports Journal

The host Western Michigan Christian Warriors turned a halftime deficit into an 18-point victory on Tuesday night against Fruitport.

The result was a 47-29 victory over the Trojans.

In the pivotal second half, the Warriors hit their free throws, hit a couple of 3-pointers and turned up the defensive pressure to improve their record to 3-2 on the season.

Rachel Bruinsma

Rachel Bruinsma led the Warriors with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Fellow senior Vanessa Eekhoff added nine points and a game-high 16 rebounds. She also blocked four shots. Julie Merz also scored nine points and dished out four assists.

Fruitport was led by Jessica Erny, whose 16 points included a pair of 3-point field goals. Debbie Pekel added eight points.

Fruitport led 18-17 at the half, but in the second half, the Warriors made 10-of-15 free throws. Jessica Knoll canned two buckets from beyond the 3-point line and the Warriors were off and running.

Coming out of halftime, the Warriors scored the first eight points and took the lead for good. For the half, WMC outscored Fruitport 30-11.

Western Michigan Christian 47, Fruitport 29

FRUITPORT

Jessica Erny 7 0-1 16, Haylie Hanks 0 1-2 1, Debbie Pekel 3 2-2 8, Breanne Burns 1 0-0 2, Allison Beckwith 0 0-2 0, Alexis Black 1 0-0 2. Totals 12 3-7 29.

WESTERN MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN

Alyssa Wright 3 0-0 6, Julie Merz 3 3-4 9, Sarah Hughes 0 2-2 2, Jessica Knoll 3 2-4 10, Rachel Bruinsma 3 5-8 11, Vanessa Eekhoff 4 1-4 9. Totals 16 13-22 47.

Fruitport 8 – 10 – 5 – 6 — 29
WMC 8 – 9 – 14 – 16 — 47

3-pointers: Erny (2), Wright (2). Fouled out: none. Total fouls: Fruitport 14, WMC 11. Technicals: none. A: 250.