Basketball Recap: Steamboat Springs Drops Highest Score of Season Against Rifle

Sailors

Team Score (Highest)

02/22/25 @ Rifle	52
12/07/24 vs Rifle	51
01/07/25 @ Middle Park	46
12/21/24 @ Fort Lupton	41
02/07/25 vs Basalt	36

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Delta, Steamboat Springs was happy to have turned things around on Saturday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 52-50 win over the Rifle Bears. The Sailors' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Steamboat Springs had a senior duo take command as Hailey Bender to rack up 22 points along with six boards and three steals and Mahlet Vanblarcum on her way to 19 points and four steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Bender has scored all season.

Steamboat Springs was working as a unit and finished the game with 17 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since back in December of 2024.

Despite the loss, Rifle still got an impressive performance from Avery Ward, who en route to 21 points and four steals. Ward continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Sadie Bergener, who posted 13 points.

Steamboat Springs' victory bumped their record up to 7-15. As for Rifle, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 3-20.

Looking ahead, Steamboat Springs will take on Basalt at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Rifle does not have any more games scheduled as of now.