“The Gators put together a run to take a twelve point lead at the half, but the second half had a different tone to it, and the Lady Knights stepped up on defense,” said WCA Head Coach Eric Schoenbauer. “The offensive attack in the second half was led by Ella Van Kempen with 12 of her game high 24 coming in it. Morgan Woodle made important free throws down the stretch to extend the lead and ensure the win.” 

The Knights were led by Ella Van Kempen with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks, 2 steals and 2 assists. Lexi Bright scored 11 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, stole 6 balls, blocked 2 shots and dished out 4 helpers. Morgan Woodle had 8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Kennedy Ulrich scored 6 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and stole 3 passes, Hailey Bennett dropped 6 points in from deep and added 2 assists and 2 rebounds, Lizzie Rustan scored 6 points, with 3 rebounds and an assist, Teagan Nelson had a big 2 points to double the Knights lead late in the game, and added a rebound, Brynn Fernholtz had 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal, Kaitlyn Sanstead had 3 assists and 2 rebounds and Kaitlyn Hansen had a steal and an assist on the night. 

“Tonight we did not look like ourselves in the first half and that was due to the Gators aggressive style of play,” Coach Schoenbauer stated. Then he added, “We did a nice job adjusting and refocusing our efforts to what needed to be done to win the game. Our mental focus needs to continually increase as the season progresses, because that will take us to the next level.” 

The lady Knights will face Pelican Rapids on Saturday at 6:00pm for the tournament championship.