By Rob Whitmire

The SPASH girls basketball team dropped a 57-54 decision to Wausau West at the SPASH Fieldhouse Friday night. The game was the Wisconsin Valley Conference opener for both teams.

A see-saw affair throughout the first half, the teams left the court at the break knotted at 26-26.

The Warriors took a 31-29 lead early in the second half before SPASH rattled off nine straight points, highlighted by a Maddie Fink 3-pointer to lead 38-31 at the 11:38 mark of the period.

West climbed back in and went back in with a 19-4 run to go up 51-42 but the Panthers were not done just yet. A short jumper by freshman Leah Earnest and two 3-pointers from sophomore Madisyn Rogan sparked a 12-0 run down the stretch to put
SPASH back up 54-51 with 2:20 showing on the clock.

The Warriors tied the score with 57 seconds remaining and hit the game winner as the clock ran out.

“I was very proud of our effort tonight, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” said Coach Derek Kirklewski. “We had some opportunities at the end to win it but couldn’t quite finish it out.”

Madisyn Rogan led the Panther scoring with 14 points. Leah Earnest added 11 and Halle Gregorich 8 points. SPASH hit 14 two-pointers, three three-pointers and went 2 for 3 at the free throw line.

SPASH returns to action Tuesday, December 13 traveling to Marshfield for a girls/boys basketball double header. JV players take the court at 4:15 PM followed by the Varsity at 6 PM at the Marshfield High School Fieldhouse.

The Panther JV team won 32-27 led in scoring by Hailey Carlson (9), and Kelsie Kostuchowski (8).

SPASH Scoring
Varsity: Brooke Tuszka 5; Jenna Bohanski 3; Kaylin Kostuchowski 2; Halle Gregorich 8; Halle Pavelski 4; Rachel Sullivan 4; Maddie Fink 3; Madisyn Rogan 14; Leah Earnest 11.
Junior Varsity: Kelsie Kostuchowski 8; Hailey Carslson 9; Rachel Lummis 4; Kaylee Hintz 2; Rachel Placeway 2; Kirsten hill 3; Izabelle Eppinger 4.