Lady Mules cage Cardinals for win

Hot and cold--that was the play of the Wahkiakum Lady Mules in their 50-39 win over the visiting Winlock Cardinals Tuesday in a Central League basketball game.

The lead switched back and forth in the first quarter, with Winlock leading 14-12 after eight minutes. The Mules, who had a deeper bench, went on a 10-point run in the second quarter to lead 29-19 at halftime.

It was Winlock's turn in the third quarter; the Cardinals came out hot and outscored the cold-shooting Mules 10-2 in the quarter to close the Mule advantage to 31-29 after three quarters.

The Mules turned up the heat, however, and another big run based on good defense, steals and rebounding put them in control down the stretch.

Caitlin Nicolazzi came off the bench to lead the scoring with 14 points for the Mules. She also had 14 rebounds. Maya Stanley had 10 points and four assists; Brieanna Olsen added nine points and seven steals; Brianne Helms had seven points and eight rebounds; Blaine Land and Haylee Budd scored four points each, and Marissa Washington had two. Land had six assists and four steals.

The Mules made 20 of 66 shots, 30 percent, and nine of 22 free throws, 41 percent.

Sierra Fisher had 12 points and Kayla Rakes 11 for Winlock. The Cardinals made 14 of 52 shots, 27 percent, and five of 16 free throws, 31 percent.

"It was a good first league win," said Mule Coach Tiffany Niemeyer. " We played good at times, but we are still inconsistent and need to find a rhythm.

"The girls that came in off the bench gave us good minutes: Rachel Patching pulled down four rebounds; Washington and Ashley Silva grabbed two each, and Nicolazzi came in strong, grabbing 14 boards and scoring 14 points."

The Mules won the junior varsity game 33-12.

The Mules entertain the Adna Pirates tonight (Thursday); next Tuesday, they go to Mossyrock.

See game video clips: http://www.youtube.com/wahkiakumeagle.