Women’s Basketball: Sophomore Day Triumph

Lexi Ficus poured in 32 points to lead the Raiders to an 86-79 win over Southeast Community College on Sophomore Day at the Raider Fieldhouse.

CCC sophomores Lakota Chelewski (left), Ajae McKimmey (right) and Sylvia Valentino (center) were recognized before the game for their contributions to the team over the last two seasons. CCC head coach Kasi Stoltz spoke highly of each player and how they will be missed.

"Lakota has come a long ways since her first day here," said CCC head coach Kasi Stotlz. "I am super proud of her growth on the floor and all of the little things she did for our team over the last two years."

"Ajae has been awesome to have in our program for the last two years," Stoltz said. "She was my first official signee and has grown so much as a basketball player and person. I am excited for her future."

"I'm excited to see Sylvia continue her basketball and academic career next year," said Stoltz. "Her growth as a player and person has been tremendous and I am grateful for everything she has contributed to this program."

The Raiders opened the game on a 19-9 run before leading 21-12 at the end of the first period. The second quarter was nearly even as the Bobcats outscored the Raiders, 26-25, but CCC still held the advantage at halftime, 46-38.

The Raiders clamped down on defense in the third period as they held the Bobcats scoreless in the first five minutes and limited them to eight points for a 60-46 lead. In the fourth quarter, Southeast outscored CCC, 13-9, over the first five minutes to pull to within 10 points, 69-59. The Bobcats rattled of a 20-12 run to pull to within two points, 81-79, with 18 seconds to play. CCC's Delaney Reeg put the game out of reach with a pair of free throws and the Raiders won, 86-79.

"I was really proud of our team effort," said CCC head coach Kasi Stoltz. "I liked how we controlled most of the game and made some big plays in the fourth quarter to clinch the win."

Reeg finished with 25 points while Kinsey Buechle totaled 13 points. McKimmey scored 10 points to round out CCC's double-digit scoring. Ficus, Reeg and McKimmey each respectively hauled in 14, 10 and 10 rebounds to post double-doubles.

"It's awesome to get contributions from multiple people have and four players in double figures and three of them with double-doubles," Stoltz said.

With the win, the Raiders finished the regular season with a mark of 4-22.

Up next, CCC will face Southeast in the first round of the Region 9 Tournament with a Wednesday night meeting in Lincoln. Game time is set for 6 p.m.