By David Holmquist

The Cougars knew they would have their hands full against Verona in their game on Friday, Nov. 30.

Despite a poor shooting percentage from beyond the three point line and a flurry of turnovers, they hung tough, losing 47-44.

Two three pointers in the final seconds clanged off the rim, and the Cougars lost for the first time this year.

They are 2-1 in the Big Eight. Verona is 3-0.

Down three at halftime by a score of 23-20, the Cougars were sparked in the second half by junior Rileigh Elgas.

As the game reached its conclusion, she grabbed rebounds, made layups and hit a key three pointer to tie the game at 35 with six minutes left.

A furious rally and another three by freshman Kate Huml put the Cougars ahead 44-43 with under two minutes to go.

But Verona prevented the Cougars from scoring again and scored the last four points to secure the victory.

The game featured two quick teams that pride themselves on aggressive defense. Coming into the game, the Cougars knew they had to limit Verona’s star freshman, Aalyiah Smith, and they did.

She scored just nine points, well under her season average of 26, and fouled out with two minutes to play. But junior Rayna Briggs, who led all scorers with 15, was able to make a couple of shots to put Verona in the lead for good.

Still, the loss was encouraging for the Cougars.

Despite a high number of turnovers and cold shooting from beyond the three point line, they played toe-to-toe with Verona, one of the favorites to win the Big 8 conference.

Coach Storbakken has said that the quickness and shooting ability of the Cougars would make them competitive in the rugged Big Eight, and this game showed that potential.

The Cougars’ scoring was led by Elgas with 13, Claudia Fieiras with 10, and Emily Pierson with 9.

They face another test on Thursday, Dec. 6 at home against Sun Prairie.

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