The No. 4 Annawan Bravettes had a strong showing at home Wednesday night against Monmouth (United), beating the Red Storm 67-33 in LTC play.
The Bravettes (19-5, 6-1) pounced early and outscored United 23-10 in the first quarter. Four Annawan players contributed in the balanced scoring attack. Clara Bella VanOpdorp scored seven and Elaina Manuel made two 3-pointers for six in the frame. Olivia Goodley also scored six and Zoey Vance added four.
Alexa Anderson scored five of United’s 10 first quarter points.
“The girls jumped out playing the way I know they can, which was nice to see,” said Annawan Coach Jason Burkiewicz. “(During the pregame speech) I gave them some of the best perspective on moving forward that I could.”
Whatever advice their coach offered, it seemed to make an impression. Annawan’s defensive effort was just as impressive as their offensive output. The Bravettes held the Red Storm to just seven points in the second and third frames.
VanOpdorp added five more points in the second quarter and Kaylee Celus tossed in four. VanOpdorp tallied an even dozen in the 39-17 first half runaway.
Paige Sierens and Celus each scored five points in the third quarter. Sierens tacked on six more in the fourth quarter as Annawan outscored United 15-9 to close out the 67-33 win.
“They were able to relax and play free and just have fun playing the game together tonight…showcasing the wide variety of talent we have on the team,” said Burkiewicz. “Scoring came from everywhere and our defense was suffocating.”
Four Annawan players scored in double digits on the night. VanOpdorp topped all scorers with 15 points and Sierens tallied 14 in the win. Celus scored 11, Goodley had 10 and Vance contributed eight.
Ava Anderson led United (11-7, 2-3) with 10 points and Alexa Anderson scored seven in vain.
Clara Bella VanOpdorp scores 1000th points
In addition to the win against United, the Bravettes celebrated a special milestone. Junior guard Clara Bella VanOpdorp scored her 1000th point and many family members and friends were on hand to congratulate her on the special achievement.
