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Let’s get to the action!
When Grace Simon of Olmsted Falls bank shotted a three pointer from NBA range to start the game, you knew it was going to be a long day for the Westlake Demons. It was billed as the battle of the top two teams in the SWC, but Olmsted Falls flexed their muscles early and often with the 62-31 victory today in Westlake.
Lauren Galaska led the Bulldogs with 12 points while scoring in every quarter. Galaska continues to convert tight defense into offensive spurts that put teams away. What makes Falls so dangerous is that they are so deep, and every night it is a different player stepping up. Most nights, it is 7 of them and that was the case today.
While Galaska is a Senior, a clone of her playing style, Mia Kalich is only a Sophomore and appears to have an extremely bright future. Kalich is a monster on the boards and knows how to put it right back up, Kalich had her way and scored 10 of her own today.
Paige Kohler also scored in every quarter on her way to an 11-point performance. Kohler did it all, mixing in a three pointer and two foul shots along the way. Fellow starter Grace Simon was once again no stranger to the three-point line, nailing 2 of them on her way to an 8-point game. Allison Milligan added 2 points to go along with her pesky defense.
It didn’t stop there however as the Bulldogs boast one of the strongest benches in the conference. Lauren Noernberg caught fire from beyond the arc, sinking 3 of them in the second half to help Olmsted Falls pull away. Sara Glover also came off the bench for 7 more.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Westlake Lady Demons. This team is still very tough and plays solid defense while remaining patient on offense. They were just up against a tough task today. It will be a good measuring stick for them, and something to build off of. As I always say, one game doesn’t define a season, this team is well coached and will be back quickly from this.
At the 4-minute mark of the first quarter, Katie Whitesell of Westlake sunk two foul shots and made it a 7-6 game. Down one early, it looked like we were headed for a nip and tuck game like the teams played twice last year.
The Bulldogs had other plans as a Sara Glover three pointer seconds later followed by a Mia Kalich transition layup, began a 10-2 run for the Bulldogs to close out the quarter. The defensive pressure from Olmsted Falls was simply over powering as they led 17-8 after one.
36 seconds into the second quarter, it was two foul shots by Morgan Kress that cut the Bulldog lead to 17-10. From there however, it was all Bulldogs once again as heavy defensive pressure was converted into points as they went on a 9-2 run to take a 26-12 lead into the break.
Leading the pressure for the Bulldogs was Lauren Galaska and Mia Kalich who not only caused multiple turnovers, but combined for 6 of their teams 9 points in the quarter. The only field goal Westlake could get, was a Summer Salem jumper.
Speaking of Salem, she really has found her shot this season. After last year where her role focused on defense and passing, Salem has added a nice element to her overall game. She showed that by sinking a three pointer to start the second half and cut the lead to 26-15. A few possessions later, it was Abbie Gardner slashing to the basket and cutting the lead to 26-17, breathing new life into the Demons.
It wouldn’t last as the Bulldogs tore off 16 straight points in an avalanche of defense creating offense. Noernberg rattled home two long balls, while Kalich and Galaska once again combined for 6 as well. That defensive tandem of Galaska and Kalich is smothering. Paige Kohler added a bucket and so did Sara Glover to extend the lead to 42-17. A Katie Whitesell three pointer would stop the bleeding at 42-20.
The Bulldogs would run off four more before the quarter ended, taking a commanding 46-20 lead into the final quarter of play. 7 different Bulldogs would score in the quarter that saw them outscore Westlake 20-8.
The Bulldogs didn’t let up in the fourth, scoring 16 more points while draining 3 more three balls. Six different Bulldogs scored and Daniele Cameron joined in the fun with a long ball. Westlake played hard to the end but came up short by a final score of 62-31.
Thanks again for covering Bulldog basketball.