Lady Eagles Fall In Opener

The Big Eagles tipped off their 2017-2018 season on Saturday as they toke on the Hamilton Broncs with the boys on the road down the bitterroot, and the girl hosting the Broncs, losing to the Lady Broncs 31-47.

The game started out on the even with the Lady Eagles taking the first lead. The two teams would hold close repeatedly taking the lead from each other until just over three minutes left in the first quarter when Hamilton went on an eight point run to take a 17-9 lead after one. Hamilton picked up a boost from their bench through out the game, but received the most help from senior Cariann Kunkel who dropped four points in the first.

Big Sky turned the tables in the second quarter holding off the Lady Broncs and out scored Hamilton 16-4 to take the lead. The Lady Eagles defense stepped up in the second frame and help the Lady Broncs scoreless for most of the second quarter, Hamilton would finally score with just over two minutes left in the first half off a free throw. With the first half in the books the Lady Eagles had regained the lead and held a three point lead over Hamilton 24-21.

Hamilton head coach Mark Albert made his half time adjustments and the Lady Broncs came out in the third refocused, going on a 8-0 run in the first three minutes of the second half. The Lady Broncs out scored Big Sky 13-3, forcing the Lady Eagles turnover the ball and create fast break opportunities. The final quarter was more of Hamilton forcing the Lady Eagles to turn the ball over, and for the second quarter in a row scoring 13 points and holding the Lady Eagles to single digit points to secure the win.

The lady Eagles will take the week off before heading to Billings for the annual Missoula Billings Class AA season opener.