LocalSportsJournal.com
FREMONT–The Fremont Packers came from behind on Friday evening and pulled out a thrilling 30-28 win over Muskegon Catholic Central in a non-conference battle.
MCC held an 11-6 lead after one quarter and a 21-10 lead at halftime. That first half was led by the sharp shooting of Carrie Ladd and Claire LaVigne. They combined for 19 of the team’s 21 points, including five made 3-pointers in the half.
The Packers, however, clamped down on defense in the second half with Julianne Hernandez, Riley Chase, Mia Clemence and Katie Ackerman taking turns to hold the duo from MCC to just one field goal and one free throw in the second half.
Fremont closed the gap to 24-20 at the end of the third, but was never able to tie the game until the 90 seconds at 28-28.
After getting a defensive stop, Fremont held the ball to use some clock before Jessica Bennett found Lily VandenBerg for a 15-foot jumper from the baseline that put the Packers up, 30-28.
MCC pushed the ball up the floor quickly and had a good look at a long 3-point shot that hit the rim, but bounced out and the Packers prevailed.
Fremont was led by Jessica Bennett’s 13 points and five rebounds. Olivia Hansen and Lily VandenBerg each chipped in six points.
“I am just really happy for our kids tonight,” Fremont coach Wes Zerlaut said. “They have continued to work hard despite some frustrating close losses.
“We really struggled to score in the first half tonight, despite executing well on offense,” Zerlaut said. “They could have given up when we were down 11 at the half, but instead they committed to work hard on the defensive end and we found a way to score just enough points in the end. I’m really proud of their perseverance tonight.”
Ladd finished with 12 points for Catholic while LaVigne tossed in 10 points.
Fremont (4-12, 2-5) will travel to Grant on Tuesday.
Muskegon Catholic (4-8, 0-1) will host Byron Center Zion Christian on Tuesday.
