The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Women's Basketball team shook off some holiday-break rust to down Hibbing 74-48 on Friday evening, but fell to the St. Kate's JV 71-59 at home this past weekend.
The Golden Rams forced 24 turnovers in the win over Hibbing in a game that saw neither team shoot the ball particularly well. Hibbing finisehd 19 of 74 (25.7 percent) while the Golden Rams connected on 28 of 83 attempts (33.7 percent). However, Anoka-Ramsey made 12 threes to just five for Hibbing.
Anoka-Ramsey never trailed as they opened up a 21-9 lead in the first quarter. Hibbing pulled within 23-16 early in the second but a 7-0 spurt put the Golden Rams back up by double digits, which is where the lead would stay.
A Chloe Vezies three put Anoka-Ramsey up 41-21 with the score settling at 46-26 at halftime.
The teams played an even third quarter but the Golden Rams held the Cardinals to no points over a three minute stretch of the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Kiley Paggen scored 14 points to lead the Golden Rams in scoring, making 6 of 8 field goals.
Charo Nickens added 13 points, while Adaya Sandifer filled the stat sheet with 12 points, ten assists, and six rebounds.
Raiyne Adams hauled in 12 rebounds in her return from injury.
On Saturday the Golden Rams faced a physical St. Kate's JV, a team that used their size for a 46-33 rebounding advantage.
St. Kate's shot 47.1 percent overall, knocking down 7 of 18 threes compared to just 6 of 35 for the Golden Rams.
Anoka-Ramsey trailed 32-27 at halftime, but a cold third quarter doomed them to a 53-34 deficit heading into the fourth.
A valiant comeback saw Anoka-Ramsey trim the deficit to ten, 69-59, but with only 30 seconds to play the Golden Rams simply ran out of time.
Nickens recorded a double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Sandifer scored 14 points to go with eight assists.
Abby Howe added 12 points off the bench.
Anoka-Ramsey is 8-5 overall and will host Rainy River in non-conference action on Wednesday, January 8 at 2:00pm.
