Lady Royals Go 2-0 in Sleep Inn Classic

Every team begins the year with a few question marks. Head Coach Danny Mertens knew that he had more than a few with some new faces on the squad. However, many of the questions the Lady Royals had heading into the weekend were quickly erased when they took the floor against Anoka-Ramsey Community College Saturday night at the sportscenter.

It started on the defensive end for Lake Region as they overwhelmed the Golden Rams offense. The 2-2-1 press that has become a mainstay for the Lady Royals kept Anoka Ramsey from finding any sort of rhythm all night. LRSC didn't allow a field goal and held the opposing team to 9 total points in the first half. They headed into the locker room with a commanding 41-9 lead. The second half saw more of the same and the Lady Royals never looked back. They forced 29 turnovers holding the Golden Rams to 22% shooting from the field. Offensively was an even attack for the Royals as everyone got in on the action. All 12 players that hit the floor scored led by Sophomores Annie Jorgenson 11pts and Emily Schafer 10pts and 6asts. Freshman Center Maggie Gilbert led the Royals with 8rebs and chipped in 8pts. The final LRSC 80 ARCC 38.

Sunday saw more of the same as the Lady Royals were matched up against Turtle Mountain Community College. It was another dominant defensive day from LRSC, forcing 33 turnovers limiting TMCC to 33% from the field. The home team made the most from those turnovers turning them into points on the offensive end. LRSC shot 43% from the field and 75% from the line as they shot 28 free throws on the game making 21 of them. The Lady Royals racked up 93 points on the day to get the 93-62 win over TMCC.

The Royals were paced again on the game offensively by Sophomores Emily Schafer 25pts & Annie Jorgenson 15pts. New comer Maara Nelson quickly made a name for herself racking up 23pts and 7asts versus TMCC. Maggie Gilber once again led the Royals in Rebounding she had 7 of them to go with her 8pts. 

Head Coach Danny Mertens said, "This was a great team effort all weekend. I was very happy with the girls defensively. We really put the pressure on them in both games, loved seeing that. You are always a little nervous heading into the opening weekend. You hope everything comes together like you want it too, I was glad we got stops early and found success. Proud of our girls and how they competed."

You don't have to wait too long to see the Lady Royals back in action. They take on Miles City Community College Friday night 5pm and then Northland Community College Saturday 3pm. Both games will be at the sportscenter.

Go Royals!