Chiefs get thorns instead of roses from Chieftains

In what would be each team’s last conference match-up of the year, the Cornell girls basketball team hosted neighboring Lake Holcombe Feb. 14. The Valentine’s Day game also happened to fall on Cornell’s senior night, but the Chiefs had trouble generating offense.

Cornell was down, 34-22, at halftime and was limited to just 16 points in the second. Meanwhile, Lake Holcombe jumped out to an early lead in the first and continued their strong scoring, with 26 points in the second half.

In the end, it was the visitors who were the victors, taking the game, 60-38.

“Nice conference win and positive playing to get our girls ready for playoffs,” said Lake Holcombe coach Jennifer Lechleitner.

Leading the way for Cornell, was senior Bryanna Bonander, with 11 points, including a three-pointer. Senior Kaylie Walters was next, with 9 points, also knocking down a three.

Freshman Kelsea Popp ended the night with 6 points, followed by junior Michaiah Galster with 5 points. Getting on the scoreboard with 4 points, was senior Charity Hessler, as well as senior Erin Crowell, with 3 points.

Sophomore Brooke Lechleitner was the leading scorer for Lake Holcombe, finishing with 17 points. Senior Megan Lechleitner ended with 12 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Junior Allison Golat-Hattamer also had 12 points.

Freshman Justine Kane recorded 10 points, three of those from long range. Fellow freshman Karly Kirkman also hit from three-point range, scoring 5 points. Senior Hannah Winchel chipped in with a three and freshman Hannah Wincek added 1 point.

Cornell’s final East Lakeland Conference record sits at

3-8, while Lake Holcombe’s ends at 7-5.