After flying high against the Basalt Longhorns on Friday, the Rifle Bears came back down to earth. Rifle took a 40-34 hit to the loss column at the hands of Steamboat Springs. Rifle found out winning isn't easy when you don't work as a unit and post seven fewer assists than your opponent.
When it comes to explaining why Rifle lost on Saturday, one person who can't be blamed is Blayke Hostettler. Despite the final result, she scored 15 points along with six rebounds and two blocks.
Steamboat Springs can attribute much of their success to Hailey Bender, who scored 18 points along with nine rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Bender has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Tyler King, who scored six points.
Rifle has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-10 record this season. As for Steamboat Springs, their victory ended a eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-8.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Rifle and Delta will face off at 4:30 p.m. on January 16th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Delta is coming into the contest hot, having won their last six games. As for Steamboat Springs, they will look to defend their home court on Friday against Basalt at 5:30 p.m. Basalt has now lost eight straight, and the team is hunting for their first win since December 9.
