The freshmen girls’ basketball team tipped off their season on Monday night with a 21-11 home victory over Kankakee Valley. Bella Bukur led the team with nine points, Lucia Otten had five rebounds, and Sydney Vorrier’s backdoor pass to Bella Bukur for a layup started off the second half in route to the ten point victory! They travelled to Lowell on Tuesday night and suffered their first defeat of the young season losing 25-15. Sydney Vorrier led the team in scoring and rebounding with five of each.
Thursday the JV girls’ basketball team lost to Kankakee Valley, 31-25. The game was a nail-biter and it came down to the last minute, but unfortunately the Lady Vikes were unable to get the win. The leading scorer for the Vikings was Precious Harvey with nine points followed by Grace Healy with five. The next game for the Vikings is at home on Saturday, November 18th at 5:30 against the Plymouth Pilgrims. See you there!
Before each home girls’ game this year a Legend of Valparaiso High School girls’ basketball will be recognized. On Tuesday night, Lorrie Woycik, the first varsity coach in Valpo girls’ basketball history was recognized. Lorrie coached over 50 years ago when only two players were allowed to run the full court. She had a successful basketball career playing in high school and in college at Valparaiso University. As a player, she learned the importance of teamwork and communication. During her coaching career at Valpo high school, she taught her players how to strive to be the best players they could be. One of her favorite coaching memories was when one of her players made 105 free-throws in a row. She now is a co-coordinator for Special Olympics in Porter County. She is also highly involved with a ministry that helps handicapped children. Lorrie and her late husband have supported VHS throughout their life by attending many sporting events. They have three children, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She offered this advice to the Valpo girls’ basketball players “to give your all to your team and the game.”
The Varsity team avenged one of their losses last year by defeating Kankakee Valley 63-45. Taelynn Oelling led the way with thirteen points followed by Aleah Ferngren with twelve and Ari Gerdt with ten. The girls host the Tip Off Classic this Saturday. They take on Class 4A #4 Hamilton Southeastern at 10 AM and Fishers at 7 PM in Viking Gym. Lake Central will also take on Fishers at Noon and Hamilton Southeastern at 5 PM. Come on out and see some outstanding girls’ basketball.
Prior to their game on Tuesday night, senior Ari Gerdt formerly signed a national letter of intent to play collegiately at Indiana Wesleyan University. Congratulations Ari and go Wildcats!
In other news, congratulations to Emma Terwilliger and Gillian Walls for being selected to the All Duneland Athletic Conference girls’ volleyball team.