Lady Cardinals Drop Third Straight

SAULT STE. MARIE – Saginaw Valley State University is mired in the worst three-game losing streak in the history of the program after a 19-point 71-52 loss at Lake Superior State University Saturday.
     With only one losing season in the first 25 seasons of competition, the Lady Cardinals have fallen to 8-10 overall and 4-7 in the GLIAC North Division. Their last three losses have come by a total of 71 points, the largest combined point-differential ever against SVSU.
     The game was virtually decided in the first 10 minutes when the Lakers build a 14-2 lead, had a 28-4 advantage with 10:50 left in the half, and cruised to a 49-23 halftime lead. The hosts shot 57.6 percent from the floor in the period, while the Cardinals made only 25 percent.
     "The game was very physical," said second-year coach Lori Flaherty. "Between that and our turnovers (11) and low shooting percentage we were struggling in the first half. They were letting us play very physical like a football game."
     SVSU committed fewer turnovers than an opponent for just the second time this season and had less than 20 for just the third time in 18 games. The Cardinals had only 16 miscues, while the Lakers had 23. LSSU had a 38-31 rebounding edge, however.
     "Our inspired play defensively in the second half initiated our offense," said Flaherty, whose squad outscored their hosts 29-22 in the final 20 minutes. "I look forward to look to playing them at our place."
     Senior Jill Herbig (Hamilton) was the only Lady Cardinal to score in double figures, finishing with 19 points and a team-high six rebounds.
     Alice Duesing led LSSU (13-6, 7-6) with 17 points, while Kendra Harris had 13 and Shannon Kulick added 10 points and a game high 9 rebounds.
     The Cardinals play at Grand Valley State University next Thursday and at Ferris State University on Saturday.

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