Owen Berk
Student Sports Media
The Butler Grizzly women’s team lost a heartbreaking game 66-56 on the road at Independence on Tuesday, Feb. 6. It was a weak start for the Grizzlies, being outscored 33-21 in the first half. It was apparent something was off when it seemed every time the Pirates were on offense, they would get an easy lay-up inside.
The entire first half was sloppy for the women since they could not keep up on defense. Offense was no easier for the Grizzlies. Excluding bringing the ball up and the occasional off ball cut, it seemed like there was a lot of standing around.
They were completely outplayed in the first half. Multiple three to four minute scoring droughts happened during the second quarter, the worst coming when they could only muster seven points in the last five and a half minutes of the second quarter.
It was evident by halftime that Head Coach Mike Helmer was not happy with the play of his Grizzlies in the first half. It was a strong third quarter for Butler, putting up 19 points, a high by quarter for that game. However, when one side of the ball heated up, the other one was nowhere to be found.
Sophomore Raegan Sanchez led all scorers with 14 points, half of them coming at the free throw line.
Freshman Taylor Birch and sophomore Ericka Mattingly also heated up, adding 12 points a piece.
For a team that was built on defense and held Barton’s women team to just 14 points in the second half just two weeks ago, it was a tough game in Independence.
Look for Helmer and the women to get after it in practice this week and get back on track.
