Madison Hurrle hit the game-winning shot with just seconds remaining, to beat conference rival Pierz last Tuesday, Dec. 16, 57-55. The game was close throughout, with 20 lead changes. Pierz found early foul trouble, but Kimball couldn?Äôt capitalize, converting only 8 of 18 free throws. Tied at 51 with fewer than three minutes to play, the Cubs got back-to-back baskets from juniors Becky Holtz and Taylor Schreiner, to lead 55-51 with just over two minutes remaining. The Pioneers answered with two field goals of their own, to tie the score at 55 with just over a minute remaining. Both teams were unsuccessful on their next two possessions, and the Cubs ran the clock down to 10 seconds before taking a timeout to setup the offense. It was d?©j?? vu all over again, as Kimball faced nearly the exact situation as in the Milaca game, where the Cubs?Äô final attempt to tie rimmed out. This time things were different, as sophomore guard Madison Hurrle hit the winner with just 3.5 seconds showing on the clock. The Cubs stole the Pioneers?Äô final inbound pass and secured the thrilling victory. The conference win was the first for the Cubs in more than a year, and gets their mark to 1-0 in the conference and 4-2 overall.
?ÄúIt was a good win for these girls as we?Äôve been talking about doing what it takes to win and having the expectation that we must do what it takes to win. These are qualities that good teams have, so this is a step in the right direction for them; finding a way to come out on top against a good conference opponent,?Äù said Coach Jeremy Kuechle. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Emily Donnay, 5; Taylor Schreiner, 8; Madison Hurrle, 15; Madelyn O?ÄôBrien, 7; Caitlin O?ÄôBrien, 8; Rebeckah Holtz, 8; Mackenzie Leither, 6.