By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
SAUGATUCK—Playing for the third time in four nights, the Saugatuck girls basketball team dropped a 40-37 decision to visiting Galesburg-Augusta on Friday, Feb. 11.
Down 30-26 after three quarters, the Trailblazers had the opportunity to tie the score in the game’s waning seconds. But a 3-point attempt missed its mark, sealing Saugatuck’s fate.
Despite the loss, Saugatuck coach Kevin Tringali had nothing but praise for the effort he received from his players on Senior Night.
“I’m really proud of how hard we fought,” he said. “Our kids battled and never quit. There was real energy in our gym tonight and they all saw a great girls basketball game.
“In the end, we finished on the short side of this one, but I’ll take these types of games any day. We will bounce back.”
Saugatuck, which got nine points each from Haley Rivera and Kennedy Gustafson, trailed 20-17 at halftime in a game that went back-and-forth throughout.
The loss dropped the Trailblazers to 10-6.
The previous evening, Saugatuck played a makeup game against West Michigan Aviation Academy and claimed the 49-22 victory.
A long-range barrage fueled the win, as the Trailblazers connected on seven 3-pointers.
Jenn Schock led the offensive charge with a career-high 14 points.
“I really enjoy watching how our kids cheer each other on,” Tringali said. “Our chemistry is in a good place.”
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, Saugatuck traveled to Coloma and came away with the 39-28 win.
Behind the strong inside play of Emma DeBoer and Gustafson, the Trailblazers jumped out to a 27-15 lead at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, however, the lead had dwindled down to three a 29-26 thanks to an 11-2 scoring advantage by the Comets.
“It was a weird trip here from the beginning and I left like we just never played with the energy we’re capable of and it showed in the third,” Tringali said. “Credit to our kids, though. It’s always tough to travel, but our kids kept their composure throughout the game and handled the punches Coloma threw and found ways to pull away.”
Tringali credited Schock’s defensive play for helping secure the win.
“Jenn and her perimeter teammates really helped regain the momentum,” he said.
DeBoer finished with 17 points, while Gustafson added 10.
