Ladies ‘finally’ playing as team
At the Jan. 18 game against Emporia State, Jacquie Rzeszut, senior guard, saves the ball. The Lady Lions defeated the Lady Hornets 67-56; they also defeated the Lady Griffons on Jan. 22, 79-55.
The Lady Lions sent Emporia States’ Lady Hornets back to Kansas with an 11-point loss on Jan. 18.
Southern’s victory ended with a score of 67-56. Southern was down in the second half with Emporia leading 33-31. With 18 minutes to go, Southern pulled through, scoring 36 points and giving the women an 11-point lead over Emporia.
“We were in control most of the game,” said senior Jacquie Rzeszut. “They went on a run, and it was back and forth most of the game. We didn’t take control until we switched to a different defense.”
Rzeszut led the team with 21 points in 40 minutes of court time.
Freshman guard Carol Koenig strutted her stuff on court with 40 minutes of play time, scoring 12 points in the game.
“I’ve never seen a freshman step up so well,” said senior Jaime Green. “She did a heck of a job.”
Koenig didn’t come in expecting the play time and recognition she is getting, although it was a goal she had for herself.
“It’s very overwhelming,” Koenig said. “As long as we are winning, I don’t care how much play time I get.”
Teammates are excited to see Koenig get down to business.
Rzeszut also has been working hard to come back strong this season. Last year she primarily was a three-point shooter and has been successful in improving her ability to score while she is on the move.
“We lost five in a row last year, and at the end of the season, we lost seven out of nine games,” Rzeszut said. “If we win the next three games, we could place fifth in the conference.”
On Wednesday, the women faced off against the Lady Griffons of Missouri Western.
At half time, the Lady Lions were ahead 38-24 and came back even stronger in the second half. With Lynard Skynard ringing in the ears of Lady Lion fans, they watched as Southern swept Western in the last nine minutes, finishing 79-55.
“We shut down everyone except one player,” Rzeszut said. “Their shots were coming from the free-throw line.”
Koenig thinks the team is turning things around after suffering from a poor season.
“We are going to surprise a lot of people,” Koenig said.
With 11 games to go plus the Sonic MIAA Championship in March, the Lady Lions have the opportunity to finish the season strong.
“We are finally playing like a team,” Rzeszut said.
The Lady Lions head to Kirksville on Saturday to take on Truman State University.
Tip off with the Lady Bulldogs is set for 1:30 p.m.
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