University of Great Falls Lady Argos News Archives

UGF’s Laura Keaster receives NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Honors

KANSAS CITY, MO (Tuesday, March 25, 2008) — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has released this year’s Division I Women’s Basketball All-American Teams on Tuesday night after the conclusion of the Division I Women’s Basketball Championships that took place this past week in Jackson, Tennessee.

The University of Great Falls’ Laura Keaster, a 5’7” senior guard from Belt, Montana, was named to the NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Team. During the 2007-2008 season, she led the Lady Argos in scoring by averaging 18.4 points per game (2nd in the Frontier Conference) as she connected on 40.5% of her field goals and scored a total of 571 points. She also led the team in steals with 2.07 per game (5th in the conference) and averaged 3.13 assists for Great Falls (8th in the conference). You can view all of the Frontier Conference women’s basketball statistics for this year by clicking here.

“We are really excited that Laura has received this prestigious national honor. It’s a tremendous credit to both Laura and her teammates who helped her have such an outstanding season. It’s also a reflection on the kind of season we had, and the respect that our program has gained throughout the United States. Hopefully, Laura is the first of many more to come,” said the University of Great Falls’ women’s basketball coach Shawn Chaffin.

Other Frontier Conference student-athletes who were selected as All-Americans include Carroll’s Jolene Fuzesy (Sr., Malta, MT), who led the conference in scoring with an average of 18.94, was named to the second team. Lewis-Clark State’s Sadie Short (Jr., Touchet, WA) and Westminster’s Shannon Evans (Jr., Morgan, UT) were both on the third team while Lewis-Clark State’s Jade Fulbright (Sr., Wenatchee, WA) joined Keaster on the honorable mention team.

The NAIA’s Player of the Year Award went to Union (TN) University’s 6’4” junior Josephine Owino. The Mombasa, Kenya native averaged 18.7 points per game and led her team to 35 consecutive wins before falling in the semifinals to Vanguard (CA) University. On Tuesday night in Jackson, TN, Vanguard (CA) defeated Trevecca Nazarene (TN) University for the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship 72-59.

The All-American teams were voted on by the NAIA All-American Coaching Committee.

To view a complete list of this year’s All-American women’s basketball selections, please click here.

By: Kevin Scott

Frontier Conference releases their 2007-08 Frontier All-Conference Basketball Selections

BILLINGS, MT (Tuesday, March 11, 2008) — The Frontier Conference has announced their 2007-2008 Frontier All-Conference Basketball selections and three members of the University of Great Falls were named to the team. The Frontier Conference selections were made by the head coaches from each team and were announced by Frontier Conference Commissioner Mike Walker.

Senior Laura Keaster, the 5’7” guard from Belt, MT, was named to the Frontier Conference First Team All-Conference Team and Jocelyn Moore, the 6’1” junior forward from Bethel, Washington was selected to the Second Team All-Conference Team for the Lady Argos. Rayshaun Ames, the 6’5” junior forward, received First Team All-Conference honors for the Argo men’s team.

Click here for the full list of this year’s All-Conference Selections.

By: Kevin Scott

C.M.R. standout Becca Frank signs with Lady Argos basketball team

GREAT FALLS, MT (Monday, March 10, 2008) — The University of Great Falls women’s basketball team is excited to announce the signing of a student-athlete from Great Falls, MT to a Frontier Conference/NAIA Letter of Intent.

Becca Frank is a 5’6” point guard from C.M. Russell High School who averaged 8.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.8 steals per game for the Lady Rustlers this season. This season, she scored 16 points against both Helena Capital High School and Butte High School, a State AA finalist. Becca also scored 15 points against cross-town rival Great Falls High School in February.

“Becca has a tremendous nose for the ball. She is a tremendous ball defender and she has the quickness and speed to attack the full court pressure that we see regularly in the Frontier Conference. Becca is a high-motor athlete that brings an intensity that is infectious. We are excited that she is joining our program,” said UGF women’s basketball coach Shawn Chaffin.

She is the daughter of Dan and Anita Frank, and she will be majoring in Exercise Education while at the University of Great Falls.

Frank joins three other former C.M.R. Rustlers that currently are playing for the Lady Argos including junior Joslin Swartz, sophomore Kassie Holmlund and redshirt freshman Kelsey Hopkins. Lady Argo assistant coach, Bill Himmelberg was a former assistant coach at C.M.R.

By: Kevin Scott

Frontier Basketball Tournament Updated Schedule

What: 2008 Frontier Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule (Single Elimination)

When: March 5-8, 2008

Where: Butte Central Catholic High School (Maroon Activities Center), Butte, Montana

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

WOMEN - #2 Carroll College Lady Saints (11-3, 24-4) def. #7 Montana Tech Lady Orediggers (4-10, 11-18) 71-58 Box Score

MEN - #2 MSU-Northern Lights (10-4, 20-9) def. #7 University of Great Falls Argos (2-12, 8-19) 65-54 Box Score

WOMEN - #1 Lewis-Clark State College Lady Warriors (13-1, 25-4) def. #8 University of Great Falls Lady Argos (3-11, 10-19) 81-44 Box Score

MEN - #1 Lewis-Clark State Warriors (10-4, 20-9) def. #8 Montana Tech Orediggers (2-12, 6-23) 76-58 Box Score

Thursday, March 6, 2008

WOMEN - #3 Westminster College Lady Griffins (10-4, 24-7) def. #6 Rocky Mountain College Lady Bears (4-10, 11-20) 64-61 Box Score

MEN - #3 Carroll College Saints (10-4, 23-7) def. #6 Montana Western Bulldogs (3-11, 10-19) 70-62 Box Score  

WOMEN - #5 Montana Western Lady Bulldogs (5-9, 18-12) def. #4 MSU-Northern Skylights (6-8, 16-13) 58-57 Overtime Box Score    

MEN - #5 Rocky Mountain College Bears (9-5, 22-8) def. #4 Westminster College Griffins (10-4, 20-7) 91-90 Overtime Box Score

Friday, March 7, 2008 (Semi-finals)

WOMEN - #2 Carroll College Lady Saints (11-3, 25-4) def. #3 Westminster College Lady Griffins (10-4, 24-8) 72-49 Box Score

MEN – #2 MSU-Northern Lights (10-4, 22-8) def. #3 Carroll College Saints (10-4, 23-8) 73-66 Box Score

WOMEN - #1 Lewis-Clark State College Lady Warriors (13-1, 26-4) def. #5 Montana Western Lady Bulldogs (5-9, 18-13) 87-69 Box Score 

MEN - #1 Lewis-Clark State Warriors (10-4, 21-9) def. #5 Rocky Mountain College Bears (9-5, 22-9) 76-75 Box Score

Saturday, March 8, 2008 (Finals)

WOMEN – #1 Lewis-Clark State College Lady Warriors (13-1, 27-4) def. #2 Carroll College Lady Saints (11-3, 25-5)

70-60 Box Score

MEN – #1 Lewis-Clark State Warriors (10-4, 22-9) def. #2 MSU-Northern Lights (10-4, 22-9) 65-63 Box Score  

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the Maroon Activities Center (Butte Central High School), Butte, MT

2008 Frontier Conference Tournament: UGF Lady Argos (3-11, 12-19) vs. Lewis-Clark State College Lady Warriors (13-1, 25-4)

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Lady Argos fall to nationally-ranked Lewis-Clark State in the Frontier Conference Basketball Tournament

BUTTE, MT (Wednesday, March 5, 2008) – The University of Great Falls women’s basketball team ended their 2007-2008 season with a 81-44 loss to 10th-ranked Lewis-Clark State Lady Warriors at Frontier Conference women’s basketball tournament at the Maroon Activities Center at Butte Central High School on Wednesday night.

Lewis-Clark State led 9-0 to begin the game and took a 33-16 lead at intermission. UGF’s Kirilynn Winkler (Great Falls, MT) scored the first two points for the Argos with less than thirteen minutes remaining in the first half. The Argos would be only down 12-8 with eight minutes left. Kim Preston led the Warrior charge as her team went on an 8-0 run. The Lady Warriors out-rebounded the Great Falls 47-29 for the game as they held the Lady Argos to 28 second half points.

Senior Laura Keaster (Belt, MT) led the Lady Argos with 11 points and dished out 2 assists. She was the only student-athlete in double figures for UGF. Kassie Holmlund (So., Great Falls, MT) added 8 points and two steals, and senior Jacqui Millam (Helena, MT) finished her career at the University of Great Falls with 6 points and 2 assists.

Lewis-Clark State was led by Jade Fulbright (Sr., Wenatchee, WA) who scored 15 points and 3 steals on the night. Kim Preston (Jr., Bellingham, WA) and Sadie Short (Jr., Touchet, WA) combined for 26 points while Mandy Troutt (Sr., Pullman, WA) had a double-double with 10 points and a team high 13 rebounds.

The University of Great Falls finished up the 2007-2008 season on Wednesday with a 3-11 conference record and a 12-19 overall record. The Lady Warriors advance to the semi-finals on Friday night at 6:00 PM against the MSU-Northern – Montana-Western winner that takes place on Thursday night. LC-State is guaranteed a spot at the NAIA National Tournament with their No. 10 ranking which begins on March 19th in Jackson, Tennessee.

Box Score: UGF vs. Lewis-Clark State

UP NEXT FOR THE LADY ARGOS

The University of Great Falls Lady Argos basketball team finished up their 2007-2008 season with a 3-11 conference record and overall record of 12-19. The Lady Argos would like to thank the fans and sponsors who have supported them throughout the year and they look forward to seeing you again during the 2008-2009 season.

BOX SCORE

LEWIS-CLARK STATE: Katie Hart 4, Lacie Titmus 7, Kim Preston 14, Kenna Reiter 2, Sadie Short 12, Vanessa West 6, Jade Fulbright 15, Madison Mendezona 5, Nichole Miller 6, Mandy Troutt 10.

GREAT FALLS: Keyla Briese 0, Jocelyn Moore 3, Laura Keaster 11, Marissa Francis 0, Kassie Holmlund 8, Ashley Stephen 4, Jacqui Millam 6, Kylie Bullock 2, Kirilynn Winkler 6, Danielle Heny 2, Leslie Saunders 2.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 13-51; Lewis-Clark State: 27-60.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 3-9 (Kassie Holmlund 2, Laura Keaster 1); Lewis-Clark State: 5-17 (Kim Preston 4, Madison Mendezona 1).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 15-21; Lewis-Clark State: 22-26.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 29 (Kylie Bullock 4, Jocelyn Moore 4); Lewis-Clark State: 47 (Mandy Troutt 13).

ASSISTS: UGF: 4 (Laura Keaster 2); Lewis-Clark State: 10 (Kenna Reiter 3).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 25; Lewis-Clark State: 21.

BLOCKS: UGF: 3 (Marissa Francis 2); Lewis-Clark State: 3 (Mandy Troutt 2).

STEALS: UGF: 11 (Kassie Holmlund 2, Jacqui Millam 2); Lewis-Clark State: 12 (Katie Hart 3, Jade Fulbright 3).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 19; Lewis-Clark State: 19.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Lewis-Clark State: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: NONE; Lewis-Clark State: NONE.

Official stats provided by the Frontier Conference (http://www.frontierconference.com).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the Straugh Gym, Dillon, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-11, 12-18) vs. Montana Western Lady Bulldogs (5-9, 17-12)

Date: Saturday, March 1, 2008

Montana Western comes back to defeat the Lady Argos in season finale

DILLON, MT (Saturday, March 1, 2008) – The University of Great Falls women’s basketball team clinged to a 31-26 lead at halftime but would eventually fall to the Lady Bulldogs of Montana-Western 62-53 on Saturday night in the regular season finale for both teams.

The Lady Argos scored 31 first-half points but lost the second half 36-22 in the Straugh Gym on the campus of Montana-Western. Coach Shawn Chaffin’s Lady Argos shot 43% from the floor as they held the Bulldogs to 33% for the game. The Argos had a 10 point lead midway through the second half but couldn’t get going offensively to stay in the game.

Laura Keaster, who played her final regular season game in an Argos uniform, led the team with 14 points including 6-for-16 from the floor. Junior Jocelyn Moore (Bethel, WA) added 12 points. Jacqui Millam, UGF’s other senior, scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Jill Dana (Sr., Forsyth, MT) paced the Bulldogs with 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting. Jamie Lake, the freshman from Ronan, MT, scored 13 for coach Kevin Engellant’s Lady Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs are now 5-9 and 17-12 while UGF goes to 3-11 and 12-18 going into the Frontier Conference Tournament that begins on Wednesday in Butte, MT.

The University of Great Falls (No. 8 seed) will face the top-seeded Lewis-Clark State Lady Warriors (13-1, 24-4) on Wednesday night at 6:00 PM at the Maroon Activities Center in Butte, MT at the Frontier Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament.

BOX SCORE

MONTANA WESTERN: Kaylee Williams 3, Jamie Lake 13, Laura Shea 4, Kelly Pankratz 2, Samantha James 2, Genna Rucker 6, Heather Brooks 6, Jill Dana 20, Chloe Mosey 6.

GREAT FALLS: Keyla Briese 0, Jocelyn Moore 12, Laura Keaster 14, Marissa Francis 4, Kassie Holmlund 3, Ashley Stephen 4, Jacqui Millam 9, Kylie Bullock 1, Kirilynn Winkler 4, Danielle Heny 2.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 23-53; Montana Western: 19-57.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 1-11 (Kassie Holmlund 1); Montana Western: 6-18 (Jill Dana 4, Kaylee Williams 1, Genna Rucker 1).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 6-13; Montana Western: 18-29.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 37 (Jacqui Millam 9); Montana Western: 39 (Laura Shea 11, Chloe Mosey 11).

ASSISTS: UGF: 9 (Laura Keaster 3); Montana Western: 7 (Jamie Lake 2).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 19; Montana Western: 13.

BLOCKS: UGF: 1 (Jocelyn Moore 1); Montana Western: 0.

STEALS: UGF: 5 (Kirilynn Winkler 2); Montana Western: 11 (Jamie Lake 4).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 20; Montana Western: 15.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Montana Western: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: NONE; Montana Western: NONE.

Official stats provided by the Montana Western Athletic Department (http://www.umwestern.edu/athletics).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the UGF HPER Complex (Kelvin Sampson Court), Butte, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-10, 12-17) vs. Montana Tech Lady Orediggers (4-9, 11-16)

Date: Friday, February 29, 2008

Tech women take advantage of Great Falls’ missed opportunities to pick up the win

BUTTE, MT (Friday, February 29, 2008) – The University of Great Falls women’s basketball team traveled to Butte, MT for the final weekend of the regular season for the Frontier Conference as they battled the Lady Orediggers of Montana Tech at the HPER Complex on Friday night.

During the first half, the Tech women opened up the contest with a 12-0 run with 17:00 minutes to go in the first half. Tech junior Stephanie Langford was able to make two (of her three) field goals from long range during the run in the opening half. Laura Keaster (Senor, Belt, MT) put Great Falls on the board after the Tech run. She would only score two points in the first half.

In the second half, Jessie DePell wasn’t done as she scored 20 of her 27 points with six minutes remaining in the game and gave Montana Tech a 60-37 advantage. Montana Tech capitalized on some missed opportunities by the Lady Argos as Great Falls shot 26% from the floor in a 67-44 loss to the Butte school.

Laura Keaster scored 16 points on 5-for-22 shooting. She was the only Lady Argo who scored over 10 points in the game. Former Great Falls High and Montana-Western transfer Kirilynn Winkler had 8 points on the night.

Meanwhile, the Lady Orediggers were led by Jessie DePell with 27 including 5-for-7 field goals and 14-for-15 on free throws. Senior Stephanie Langford (from Boulder, MT), added 10 points and Natalie Shaw (Sr., Colfax, WA) grabbed 10 rebounds.

Tech pulled out a 55-51 victory over the Lady Argos in the Electric City on January 26th.

The Orediggers are now 4-9 and 11-16 while UGF goes to 3-10 and 12-17 on the season.

BOX SCORE

MONTANA TECH: Jenessa Todd 4, Jessie DePell 27, Becky Roll 3, Kimber Peters 2, Adrea Thomas 9, Stephanie Langford 10, Natalie Shaw 8, Teresa Merrill 4, Katie Jolley 0.

GREAT FALLS: Keyla Briese 0, Jocelyn Moore 2, Laura Keaster 16, Marissa Francis 5, Kassie Holmlund 2, Ashley Stephen 4, Jacqui Millam 7, Kylie Bullock 0, Kirilynn Winkler 8, Danielle Heny 0.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 18-68; Montana Tech: 20-58.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 2-16 (Laura Keaster 2); Montana Tech: 7-16 (Jessie DePell 3, Adrea Thomas 2, Stephanie Langford 2).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 6-11; Montana Tech: 20-29.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 42 (Marissa Francis 8); Montana Tech: 54 (Natalie Shaw 10).

ASSISTS: UGF: 8 (Kassie Holmlund 4); Montana Tech: 15 (Natalie Shaw 4).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 18; Montana Tech: 20.

BLOCKS: UGF: 5 (Ashley Stephen 2, Marissa Francis 2); Montana Tech: 4 (Jenessa Todd 2, Teresa Merrill 2).

STEALS: UGF: 5 (Laura Keaster 2); Montana Tech: 7 (Stephanie Langford 2).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 19; Montana Tech: 14.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Montana Tech: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: NONE; Montana Tech: NONE.

Official stats provided by the Montana Tech Athletic Department (http://www.godiggers.com).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the UGF McLaughlin Center, Great Falls, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-9, 12-16) vs. MSU-Northern Skylights (4-8, 14-12)

Date: Friday, February 22, 2008

UGF SENIOR NIGHT/Home Season Finale

Skylights defeat Lady Argos 77-43 on Senior Night

GREAT FALLS, MT (Friday, February 22, 2008) – The University of Great Falls women’s basketball team fell to rival MSU-Northern on Senior Night in Great Falls 77-43.

During the first half, the Skylights held Great Falls scoreless for the first 4:30 of the game as UGF senior Jacqui Millam (Helena, MT) scored the Argos first basket and they trailed 6-2. MSU-Northern went on a 7-2 run and led 13-4 with just over twelve minutes remaining the first half. MSU-Northern’s Becky Sorenson (Sr., Salt Lake City, UT) knocks down a three-pointer to increase the Skylights lead to 20-5 with just over eight minutes to go. Belt native Laura Keaster, the Frontier Conference’s second leading scorer, made her first basket with under 4:00 before the half to cut the Lady Argo deficit to 24-15. The Skylights of coach Chris Mouat would lead at the break 34-18.

In the second half, MSU-Northern would stretch their lead to 48-25 with 12:22 remaining in the conference game between these two rivals. The Skylights would go on a 7-2 run and held the Lady Argos to just seven points during the first 7:30 of the final half. They would outscore the UGF 43-25 in the second half and pick up the victory.

Senior Laura Keaster scored only six points as the Great Falls didn’t have anyone who scored in double figures on the night. Keaster came into the game averaging 19.4 points per game, which is 8th best in NAIA Division I women’s basketball. UGF’s other senior Jacqui Millam scored 4 points in her final game at the UGF McLaughlin Center. Kassie Holmlund (So., Great Falls, MT) led the way with 9 points.

Meanwhile, the Skylights had three student-athletes who scored in double figures including Stacie Barker (Jr., Taylorsville, UT) who added 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. Former Lady Argo Dana Ball (Sr., Evanston, WY) added 11 points and Becky Sorenson finished the night with 10.

If the Lady Argos can defeat both Montana Tech and Montana-Western next week, they can get the sixth seed into the Frontier Conference Tournament.

The Skylights are now 4-8 and 14-12 while UGF goes to 3-9 and 12-16 on the season.

UP NEXT FOR THE LADY ARGOS

The UGF Lady Argos will finish the regular season next Friday (Feb. 29th) and Saturday (March 1st) when they travel to Montana Tech in Butte, MT for a Friday night match-up against the Lady Orediggers beginning at 6:00PM from the HPER Complex (Kelvin Sampson Court) and then take the short drive to Dillon, MT where they will face the Montana Western Lady Bulldogs at 6:00PM from Straugh Gym. The Frontier Conference basketball tournament will begin on Wednesday, March 5th from the Maroon Activities Center on the campus of Butte Central High School in Butte, MT. The men’s and women’s tournament will conclude on Saturday, March 8th.

BOX SCORE

MSU-NORTHERN: Samm Schermele 6, Dana Ball 11, Becky Sorenson 10, Jordan Kambich 3, Kaylee Shaw 6, Stacie Barker 15, Ashley Trulock 6, Taylor Keller 8, Amanda Quartuccio 6, Mandee Carroll 0, Jennie Lee 6.

GREAT FALLS: Keyla Briese 0, Jocelyn Moore 6, Laura Keaster 6, Marissa Francis 6, Kassie Holmlund 9, Ashley Stephen 2, Jacqui Millam 4, Kylie Bullock 2, Kirilynn Winkler 8, Danielle Heny 0.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 14-52; MSU-Northern: 26-47.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 0-12; MSU-Northern: 7-15 (Becky Sorensen 3, Samm Schermele 2, Amanda Quartuccio 1, Dana Ball 1).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 15-24; MSU-Northern: 18-25.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 23 (Jacqui Millam 7); MSU-Northern: 42 (Stacie Barker 14).

ASSISTS: UGF: 7 (Laura Keaster 4); MSU-Northern: 10 (Becky Sorenson).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 18; MSU-Northern: 21.

BLOCKS: UGF: 1 (Marissa Francis 1); MSU-Northern: 7 (Stacie Barker 5).

STEALS: UGF: 7 (Jacqui Millam 3); MSU-Northern: 8 (Dana Ball 3).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 16; MSU-Northern: 21.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; MSU-Northern: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: NONE; MSU-Northern: Ashley Trulock.

Official stats provided by the University of Great Falls Athletic Department (http://www.ugf.edu/goargos).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the UGF McLaughlin Center, Great Falls, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-8, 12-15) vs. #10 Lewis-Clark State College Lady Warriors (9-1, 20-4)

Date: Saturday, February 16, 2008

#10 Lewis-Clark State cruises by Great Falls 90-62

GREAT FALLS, MT (Saturday, February 16, 2008) – The tenth-ranked Lady Warriors of Lewis-Clark State cruised by the University of Great Falls on Saturday night 90-62 at the UGF McLaughlin Center.

Lewis-Clark State showed why they are ranked high in the NAIA Division I basketball poll this week as they started the game on a 7-0 run. The Warriors got points from Sadie Short (Jr., Touchet, WA) and Katie Hart (Sr., Ellensburg, WA) to begin the game. The Lady Argos would battle back with just over 13 minutes remaining they were down by four points (15-11) as Laura Keaster (Sr., Belt, MT) rattled off six points. The Lady Warriors would connect on 8 three-pointers in the first 13 minutes of the game. Before the half, Great Falls would make a 10-0 and cut the deficit to 7 points before Lewis-Clark’s Jade Fulbright knocked down a three. Lewis-Clark would take a twelve point lead at the half (51-39). Keaster would score 19 of her 25 points in the first half. The Warriors would hit on 63% of their field goals in the half and the Lady Argos connected on 59% from the floor.

In the second half, the Lewis-Clark State would control the tempo of the game and never trailed. Eight minutes into the second half, the Lady Argos received their first basket of the half as Laura Keaster connected on a field goal. She went 7-for-12 on the night including 9-for-11 from the charity stripe. Kirilynn Winkler (Fr., Great Falls, MT) added 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting.

The Lady Warriors had five student-athletes in double-figures. Sadie Short had a team high 16 points while teammates Jade Fulbright (Sr., Wenatchee, WA) scored 15 points and senior Mandy Troutt (Pullman, WA) added 14 points and 9 boards. Vanessa West (Sr., Jerome, ID) and Lacie Titmus (Jr., Orem, UT) each scored 11 on the night for coach Brian Orr’s squad.

The Lady Warriors are now 9-1 and 20-4 while UGF goes to 3-8 and 12-15 on the season.

UP NEXT FOR THE LADY ARGOS

The UGF Lady Argos will be at the home for the final time this season on Friday, February 22, 2008 for Senior Night against rival MSU-Northern beginning at 6:00 p.m.

BOX SCORE

LEWIS-CLARK STATE: Katie Hart 8, Breianna Gaines 3, Lacie Titmus 4, Kim Preston 11, Kenna Reiter 0, Sadie Short 16, Vanessa West 11, Jade Fulbright 15, Madison Mendezona 7, Nichole Miller 1, Mandy Troutt 14.

GREAT FALLS: Jocelyn Moore 5, Laura Keaster 25, Marissa Francis 4, Kassie Holmlund 4, Ashley Stephen 6, Jacqui Millam 4, Kylie Bullock 0, Kirilynn Winkler 10, Danielle Heny 1, Keyla Briese 3.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 18-50; Lewis-Clark State: 36-59.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 5-15 (Laura Keaster 2, Kassie Holmlund 1, Keyla Briese 1, Jacqui Millam 1); Lewis-Clark State: 9-19 (Kim Preston 3, Jade Fulbright 2, Sadie Short 2, Breianna Gaines 1, Madison Mendezona 1,).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 21-29; Lewis-Clark State: 9-12.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 31 (Kirilynn Winkler 7); Lewis-Clark State: 31 (Mandy Troutt 9).

ASSISTS: UGF: 11 (Laura Keaster 4, Kylie Bullock 4); Lewis-Clark State: 22 (Katie Hart 5).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 26; Lewis-Clark State: 18.

BLOCKS: UGF: 0; Lewis-Clark State: 2 (Mandy Troutt 1, Lacie Titmus 1).

STEALS: UGF: 9 (Laura Keaster 3); Lewis-Clark State: 15 (Vanessa West 4, Katie Hart 4).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 13; Lewis-Clark State: 21.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Lewis-Clark State: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: NONE; Lewis-Clark State: Breianna Gaines.

Official stats provided by the University of Great Falls Athletic Department (http://www.ugf.edu/goargos).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the UGF McLaughlin Center, Great Falls, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-7, 12-14) vs. #23 Westminster College Lady Griffins (6-3, 19-6)

Date: Friday, February 15, 2008

Lady Argos lose heartbreaker to #23 Westminster College in overtime

GREAT FALLS, MT (Friday, February 15, 2008) – The University of Great Falls women’s basketball team was looking for an upset on homecoming night at the McLaughlin Center against the 23rd ranked Lady Griffins of Westminster College.

Jocelyn Moore (Jr., Bethel, WA) put the Lady Argos up first with a basket but Westminster’s Elisa Leader, the junior from Winnemucca, Nevada, would answer back with a three pointer as the Griffins found themselves with the 27-13 lead midway through the first half. Great Falls would make a run of their own as they cut the lead to 29-25 with 3:34 remaining. During the first half, UGF was down by as many 15 but then went on a 16-1 run. Former Great Falls High standout, Marissa Francis fired up one from behind the arc for UGF to tie the game at 29-29 but it was the Griffins who would own the 35-31 lead at the break.

Westminster would open up the second half with an 8-0 run and then former Belt High School standout, Laura Keaster who score back-to-back baskets for the Lady Argos. Great Falls would cut into the deficit and eventually tied the game at 57-57 with five minutes left in regulation. Both teams would trade baskets as Westminster held onto a 67-64 lead with 13.8 seconds on the clock. They would foul Great Falls’ Kassie Holmlund on a three-pointer and after sinking all three free throws tied the game and sent it into overtime.

Things got really exciting in overtime as both teams would trade baskets and Keaster would get fouled and made one-of-two from the free throw line to give Great Falls a 76-75 advantage. After multiple timeouts, Westminster’s Shannon Evans (Jr., Morgan, UT) found her way into the lane for a lay-up with 3.8 seconds remaining in overtime. Laura Keaster would take it to half-court for a last-second shot that touched the rim multiple times and rolled out. Westminster escapes with a 77-76 win over the Lady Argos.

Laura Keaster would lead Great Falls with 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting while Jacqui Millam (Sr., Helena, MT) and Marissa Francis would each end the night with 12 points. Millam would also pull down 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Shannon Evans tallied up 21 points and 5 assists for the Lady Griffins. Elisa Leader finished the night with 12 points.

The Lady Griffins are now 6-3 and 19-6 while UGF goes to 3-7 and 12-14 on the season.

BOX SCORE

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Mara Hoskins 3, Shannon Evans 21, Kelsi Olsen 5, Alexis Tucker 12, Janae Hirschi 8, Elisa Leader 20, Suzanne Young 2, Rachel Shippee 6.

GREAT FALLS: Jocelyn Moore 11, Laura Keaster 25, Marissa Francis 12, Kassie Holmlund 8, Ashley Stephen 0, Jacqui Millam 12, Kylie Bullock 6, Kirilynn Winkler 2, Keyla Briese 0.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 27-55; Westminster College: 23-50.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 5-8 (Laura Keaster 2, Kassie Holmlund 1, Jacqui Millam 1, Marissa Francis 1); Westminster College: 9-20 (Shannon Evans 3, Elisa Leader 3, Mara Hoskins 1, Janae Hirschi 1, Kelsi Olsen 1).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 22-28; Westminster College: 17-24.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 28 (Jacqui Millam 10); Westminster College: 34 (Alexis Tucker 5).

ASSISTS: UGF: 14 (Laura Keaster 5); Westminster College: 16 (Shannon Evans 5).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 18; Westminster College: 16.

BLOCKS: UGF: 1 (Marissa Francis 1); Westminster College: 0.

STEALS: UGF: 6 (Marissa Francis 3); Westminster College: 8 (Alexis Tucker 3, Kelsi Olsen 3).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 20; Westminster College: 19.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Westminster College: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: Jocelyn Moore; Westminster College: NONE.

Official stats provided by the University of Great Falls Athletic Department (http://www.ugf.edu/goargos).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the Carroll P.E. Center, Helena, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-6, 12-13) vs. Carroll College Lady Saints (7-2, 19-3)

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2008

Carroll ends UGF’s three-game win streak

HELENA, MT (Saturday, February 9, 2008) – The Lady Argos three game win streak is over as Carroll College defeated the Lady Argos at the Carroll P.E. Center 79-67 on Saturday evening.

The Saints opened up the game leading 8-1. At the half, Carroll took a 42-30 lead and then the Lady Argos cut the deficit to three points (61-58) in the second half.

Carroll College was led by Jolene Fuzesy with 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Former Reed Point standout Elly Bruursema scored 15 points with 9 of those points coming from behind the arc.

The Lady Argos received 23 points from Belt native Laura Keaster and had three student-athletes score 9 points including former Great Falls High stars Marissa Francis and Kirilynn Winkler and Bethel, WA native Jocelyn Moore.

The Lady Saints are now 7-2 and 19-3 while UGF goes to 3-6 and 12-13 on the season.

UP NEXT FOR THE LADY ARGOS

The UGF Lady Argos will return home to the McLaughlin Center on Friday, February 15, 2008 for a conference game against Westminster College beginning at 6:00 p.m. This will be homecoming weekend at UGF.

BOX SCORE

CARROLL COLLEGE: Elly Bruursema 15, Laci High 6, Nikki Mills 11, Caitlin Courchaine 14, Danielle Maloney 7, Tiffany Rochelle 4, Jolene Fuzesy 20, Nicole Leibach 0, Hannah Heidenreich 2, Sara Meyer 0.

GREAT FALLS: Jocelyn Moore 9, Keyla Briese 2, Laura Keaster 23, Marissa Francis 9, Kassie Holmlund 8, Ashley Stephen 4, Jacqui Millam 3, Kylie Bullock 0, Kirilynn Winkler 9, Danielle Heny 0.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 24-50; Carroll College: 25-55.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 5-7 (Laura Keaster 2, Marissa Francis 3); Carroll College: 9-22 (Elly Bruursema 3, Laci High 2, Jolene Fuzesy 2, Danielle Maloney 1, Caitlin Courchaine 1).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 14-23; Carroll College: 20-24.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 20 (Jocelyn Moore 7); Carroll College: 35 (Tiffany Rochelle 10).

ASSISTS: UGF: 7 (Kassie Holmlund 3); Carroll College: 15 (Caitlin Courchaine 3, Danielle Maloney 3).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 15; Carroll College: 16.

BLOCKS: UGF: 1 (Marissa Francis 1); Carroll College: 1 (Hannah Heidenreich 1).

STEALS: UGF: 4 (Kylie Bullock 1, Laura Keaster 1, Jocelyn Moore 1, Keyla Briese 1); Carroll College: 7 (Nikki Mills 2, Tiffany Rochelle 2).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 17; Carroll College: 17.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Carroll College: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: NONE; Carroll College: NONE.

Official stats provided by the Carroll College Athletic Department (http://www.carroll.edu/athletics).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from the Fortin Center, Billings, MT

Frontier Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (3-5, 12-12) vs. Rocky Mountain College Lady Bears (2-6, 9-15)

Date: Thursday, February 7, 2008

Lady Argos win their 12th game of the season with win over the Lady Bears

BILLINGS, MT (Thursday, February 7, 2008) – The Lady Argos basketball team swept the Rocky Mountain College Lady Bears in their final game of their season series on Thursday night with an 81-72 win in a Frontier Conference game between these two teams. On January 5th in Great Falls, the Lady Argos won on a last second shot by Jocelyn Moore to give UGF a 61-60 win. With Thursday night’s win, the University of Great Falls women’s basketball team has won 12 games and tops the most wins in a single season for them since the athletic programs were reinstated in 2000.

The Lady Bears were down by 18 points (66-48) with just over five minutes left in the contest and came within 6 points (78-72) with 19.6 seconds on the clock. The Lady Argos controlled the game in the last minute thanks to some good free throw shooting as UGF connected on 9-of-their-10 free throws inside the last minute of the game.

The Lady Argos shot 51% (30-for-58) from the field for the game while Rocky knocked down 37% (25-68) of their shots. The Lady Argos grabbed a 31-22 halftime lead and went on to win it by the same margin 81-72. Great Falls connected on 86% (19-22) from the free throw line.

The Lady Argos received 27 points from Laura Keaster (Sr., Belt, MT) and Jocelyn Moore (Jr., Bethel, WA) rattled off 20 while Kassie Holmlund (So., Great Falls, MT) added 10 points and 5 assists. Keaster led the Lady Argos in rebounding with 7 on 10-for-18 shooting.

Meanwhile, Liz Lewis (Jr., Fallon, NV) led Rocky with 22 points, 6 steals and 5 assists. Sarah Madinger, a junior from Seeley Lake, MT, also added 17 and senior Jenna Sawyer (Panguitch, UT) led the Bears in rebounding with 11.

The Lady Bears are now 2-6 and 9-15 while UGF goes to 3-5 and 12-12 on the season.

UP NEXT FOR THE LADY ARGOS

The UGF Lady Argos will be in the Capital City of Helena, MT to take on the Carroll College Lady Saints with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2008 from the Carroll P.E. Center.

BOX SCORE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE: Sarah Madinger 17, Keri Siewert 3, Shaylynn Conroy 2, Liz Lewis 22, Jennifer Orchard 0, Lisa Schoer 0, Gretchen Wall 4, Josie Evans 8, Emmelie Lundgren 10, Jenna Sawyer 6.

GREAT FALLS: Keyla Briese 0, Jocelyn Moore 20, Laura Keaster 27, Marissa Francis 5, Kassie Holmlund 10, Ashley Stephen 8, Jacqui Millam 5, Kylie Bullock 2, Kirilynn Winkler 4, Danielle Heny 0.

FIELD GOALS: UGF: 30-58; Rocky Mountain College: 25-68.

3 POINT FG: UGF: 2-11 (Laura Keaster 2); Rocky Mountain College: 7-29 (Liz Lewis 5, Keri Siewert 1, Sarah Madinger 1).

FREE THROWS: UGF: 19-22; Rocky Mountain College: 15-26.

REBOUNDS: UGF: 38 (Laura Keaster 7); Rocky Mountain College: 33 (Jenna Sawyer 11).

ASSISTS: UGF: 12 (Kassie Holmlund 5); Rocky Mountain College: 18 (Liz Lewis 5).

TURNOVERS: UGF: 20; Rocky Mountain College: 16.

BLOCKS: UGF: 4 (Marissa Francis 2); Rocky Mountain College: 3 (Jenna Sawyer 1, Josie Evans 1, Keri Siewert 1).

STEALS: UGF: 11 (Jacqui Millam 5); Rocky Mountain College: 12 (Liz Lewis 6).

TOTAL FOULS: UGF 19; Rocky Mountain College: 18.

TECHNICAL FOULS: UGF: NONE; Rocky Mountain College: NONE

FOULED OUT: UGF: Kassie Holmlund; Rocky Mountain College: NONE.

Official stats provided by the Billings Gazette (http://www.billingsgazette.com).    

By: Kevin Scott

NAIA Women's Basketball: Argo Update from Walla Walla University, College Place, WA

NAIA Non-Conference Game: UGF Lady Argos (2-5, 11-12) vs. Walla Walla University Lady Wolves (6-16)

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2008