Ellsworth Community College women's basketball team opened the season this past weekend in the Konigsmark Classic at NIACC in Mason City. The Panthers suffered losses against Lake Land Community College (77-48) and Illinois Central Community College (86-48).
The well-balanced scoring of Lake Land proved to be troublesome for the Panthers. They were led by Layne Curley's 19 points and 13 rebounds. Lake Land also had substantial help from Jay'La Davis with 12 points, Dymond Randle with 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Emily Neuhauser with 8 points and 8 rebounds.
Ellsworth was led by Antoinette Williams with 14 points and 5 steals, and Chantelle Rumph, who tallied 14 points and 6 rebounds in the loss against Lake Land Community College. In their return from pre-season concussions, Megan Marlette and Devin Leffler contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds respectively during the game against Lake Land. Sophomore Guard Jade Brown led the team in rebounds with 8 and contributed 6 points to the Panthers' scoring.
After losing 77-48 on Friday to Lake Land, the Panthers returned the following day to face off against the number 2 team, Illinois Central Community College.
The Cougars were led by Jemia Carpenter, Hayley Reneau, and Kierra Weir who contributed 14, 10, and 11 points respectively.
Early in the game the Lady Panthers started off moving the ball well and getting Illinois Central into foul trouble, while on the defensive end they seemed to keep the Lady Cougars on the perimeter with a two-three zone. As the game proceeded, the wheels fell off the wagon for the Panthers. Ellsworth had a tough time keeping the Cougars off the glass, being out rebounded by 23. In this loss, the Panthers were led by Rumph, who had 17 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds, as well as Williams, who added 14 points and 4 assists.
The Panthers will stay on the road for their next two games, participating in the Baymont Inn Classic held in Wahpeton, ND. They will face North Dakota State College of Science on Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 pm and Dakota College at Bottineau on Saturday, Nov. 14, at noon.