Kolnitys, Williams lead women past KVCC

By Maddie Toles
Sports Editor

The LCC women's basketball team ended January with two losses, but their luck changed with a hard-earned 72-70 home win on Saturday, Feb. 2 over Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Sophomores Jacqulyn Kolnitys and Jaylynn Williams led the Stars in scoring with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Kolnitys and freshman Tanaesha Daniels, each contributed a team-high 12 rebounds.

The Stars' fell to Mid-Michigan College 71-57 on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Mid-Michigan was anticipated to be one of the Stars' toughest rivals this year, and this was their second meeting of the season.

The first game also ended as a loss for the Stars, but LCC Head Coach Layne Ingram said he has seen his team's improvement between the two face-offs.

"We've definitely improved on the defensive end," Ingram said. "Our rebounding has definitely gotten better.

"We've got to put the ball in the basket. We do so much shooting in practice, and so it's disappointing to not hit shots when you need to."

Ingram said the women had two significant comebacks in the game, especially in the third quarter, but MMC pulled ahead in the end.

Sophomore Jessica Taylor led LCC with 18 points. Kolnitys added 12 points.

The Stars have been battling injuries throughout the season, and the game against MMC was played without one of their guards and a starting forward.

As the season enters its last month, Ingram said he seeks more improvement.

"The thing I've been preaching to them … is consistency," Ingram said. "You've got to show up; you've got to show up for every game. In our case, it's got to be all eight people that show up every game. And if you don't do that, it's going to be tough to be successful."

Despite the losses due to injury and tough competition, Ingram said he has urged the importance of staying mentally focused.

The next home game for the Stars' is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13 against Grand Rapids Community College. The action starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Gannon Gym.