Delta Takes #11 KVCC To Brink

Kalamazoo, MI – The Delta women's basketball team has never backed down from a challenge in the 17 years that head coach Kelly Miller has been at the helm.  Whether it's a top ranked team in the regional or a NCAA opponent in the pre-season, you can always find a tough game or two on the Pioneer schedule.   Tuesday night was no different as the women of Delta traveled to Kalamazoo to face the 11^th ranked Cougars of Kalamazoo Valley Community College in a pre-season battle.  With three of the top fifteen teams in the country awaiting them in the regular season, Coach Miller figured there was no better way to get prepared for the future than to start with the present. 

"Coming into tonight's match we knew they would bring it, on their floor, and that's why we look forward to facing them each year," said Miller.  "Playing a tough schedule helps us prepare for our tough league schedule. "

Sporting a record of 3-1 entering the contest, the Pioneers found themselves on the losing end of a close contest in dropping the game, 71-60.  Kalamazoo improved to 4-1 with the victory.

While the Cougars dominated the offensive boards throughout the contest, Delta found itself with a lead after the first quarter led by the offense of Jayde Abenth.  Kalamazoo fought back to take just a one point lead into halftime, however. 

"Once again, we played a tough team to the brink," said Miller.  "Our freshmen improve each night and as long as they continue to overcome their mistakes and learn from them, we'll be in good shape."

Just three points down late in the game, Kalamazoo pulled away courtesy of offensive boards and subsequent putbacks.  With the Pioneers having to foul late to come back, the Cougars finished at the free throw line to ice the game.

"Not the way we wanted to enter the Thanksgiving break but seeing our girls play so well against a nationally recognized team gives us hope for what we know this young team can become."

Abenth finished with 15 points and seven boards while Kenisha Newsom added nine points and 12 rebounds to lead the Pioneers.   Delta takes a week off before hosting Kellogg Community College on December 2^nd.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5pm.