Ladycats win back-to-back Big 8 games

Hard to stop Julie Cupps looks toward the basket before launching a shot during last Thursday's home game against Lamar. The junior had led all scorers with 17 points. Democrat Photo

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Cassville was able to upend the Lady Cubs 58-51 in an exciting game between two rivals.

Junior Julie Cupps led all scorers with 24 points. Other Ladycat point-getters were Abby Munoz with 14 points, Brittany Vollenweider with 12 points and Gabby LeCompte with 8 points.

"Jessie Gripka played a great game defensively," said Coach Chris Shore. "She took a charge and did an excellent job job covering their three-point shooter."

"This was a big win for us on the road," added Coach Shore. "Monett has been playing very well."

Against Lamar, Cassville ruled up until the fourth quarter. In the first three quarters, Cassville dominated Lamar and led 34-23 going into the final stanza. In the fourth, Lamar made a late run, outscoring the Ladycats 20-14, but the damage had already been done and Cassville held onto the victory.

Cupps led the Ladycats with 17 points. Vollenweider followed with 12, Munoz was next with 11, Gripka contributed 6, and LeCompte added 2. Gripka's 6 points came off of two huge three pointers.

"We found a way to win," said Coach Shore. "Our kids shot the ball well."

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Cassville Ladycats traveled to Webb City and suffered a heart-breaking 48-52 loss. The Ladycats outscored Webb City 25-19 at the end of the first half, but Webb City turned it up a notch and outscored the Ladycats 33-23 to give them the win.

Cupps led the Ladycats in scoring with 19 points. Others adding to Cassville's point total were Munoz with 11, Vollenweider with 8, Gripka and LeCompte with 4 each, and Ron'L Hoff with 2.

Cassville's overall record improved to 8-13 this week. The Ladycats have a chance to end the season one game under .500, if they can win the remainder of their games.

Cassville plays East Newton on Feb. 9, Aurora on Feb. 13 and Seneca on Feb. 16. The Ladycats have home court advantage on their last two games of the regular season.

Jayvee action

The Cassville JV Ladycats defeated Webb City in their 13th game of the season.

Misty Long, Brittany Gatley and Ariel Oswald all contributed 6 points each in the win. Rounding out the scoring was Hoff with 5 points and Dakota Bowman with 4.

Overall, the JV squad is 5-8, winning three of its last five games.

"The key to the recent success of the JV is in an offense where many players contribute to the scoring," said Coach Brian Wilbanks. "I feel that the girls are improving with each game and I hope we continue the winning streak."