Lakeland College

Blahnik, Keiper Help Muskies Secure Seventh-Straight NAC Win

Athletics - posted on 2/16/2008

The Lakeland College women's basketball team continued its red-hot Northern Athletics Conference win streak with a win over Concordia University Chicago, 54-48, on Saturday, Feb. 16, for its seventh straight victory.

The Muskies (14-10, 11-6 NAC) were tied with the Cougars, 26-26, at the half, but once again the squad used its scrappy defensive philosophy to its advantage, forcing 21 turnovers for the game. Lakeland also avenged a loss to Concordia at home earlier this season, 79-72.

"We had more of a defensive focus than we did the last time we saw them, and we also executed very well," said Lakeland head coach Teri Johnson. "Three weeks ago we really started to click as a team, and every single game has been a total team effort."

Sophomore guard KC Blahnik and senior guard Peggy Keiper were a big part of that team effort, as Blahnik tallied another double-double with a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds while Keiper added 17 points.

"Peggy hit some big shots in the first half, and KC Blahnik really took over in the second half and helped us pull ahead," Johnson said. "She helped us out-rebound them for the game, which is something we really wanted to focus on in the second half."

Lakeland took the lead for good with 8:06 remaining, as Blahnik knocked down a pair of free throws for the 42-41 advantage, helping the Muskies fend off the Cougars for the remainder of the game to secure the win.

The Muskies will have plenty of time to prepare for their final regular season NAC game with Aurora University, which is set for next Saturday, Feb. 23.

"We haven't seen them yet, and with it being the last regular-season conference game it's really up for grabs," Johnson said. "I think we match up very well against them, but we really need to focus on playing solid defense."

Game time with Aurora is set for 2 p.m. in Aurora, Ill.

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