Past experience paid off Friday for the Borgia basketball Lady Knights.
Led by a trio of volleyball players, who contributed a combined 48 points, Borgia (7-3, 3-1) won 60-47 at Rosati-Kain (2-5, 0-2) in Archdiocesan Athletic Association Large Division action.
Borgia had lost in its first AAA visit to Rosati-Kain in volleyball during the fall, running into an unexpected situation with a big, loud crowd.
Borgia Head Coach Stacia Parsell indicated the same thing happened Friday.
“The gym was packed and it was the loudest crowd we have played in front of this season,” Parsell said. “We handled the environment well.”
But in its first basketball trip to the St. Louis school, Borgia was able to overcome any advantages the Kougars might have had.
Janie Arand, setter from the volleyball team, led the Lady Knights with 29 points. She also had two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Arand hit three three-point baskets, but did most of her damage at the free-throw line, staying calm under pressure to hit 16 of 19 attempts.
“Janie was terrific from the free throw line and really kept the late run from Rosati-Kain from hurting us,” Parsell said.
Molly Arand, a defensive specialist on the volleyball team, scored 10 points with four steals, two assists and a rebound.
“Molly Arand was able to get her offense going with 10 points,” Parsell said.
Katie Lindemann, a hitter from the volleyball team, scored nine points and added eight rebounds.
“Katie Lindemann had the task of limiting their 6-3 post player (Oluwashayo Oginni) to just five points.
Others, who hadn’t experienced the Rosati-Kain crowd from volleyball, also stepped up.
Emily Grahl scored seven points with five rebounds, five steals and two assists. Grahl’s hustle and determination helped her to pull down more rebounds than Oginni (four rebounds), who is over a foot taller.
“Emily Grahl continues to keep the opposing team off balance with five steals,” said Parsell.
Madison Wehking scored five points and hit one of the team’s seven three-point baskets.
“Madison Wehking came off the bench to have a major contribution on both ends of the court,” Parsell said.
Also playing were Baylee Godat, Cassandra Halsted (one steal) and Morgan Spradling (two rebounds).
Emily Secrist led Rosati-Kain in scoring with 17 points. Katy Kessler posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Rosie Sandt scored eight points while Oginni netted five and Rachel Schreier added four.
While Borgia trailed 13-7 after one quarter, but ripped Rosati-Kain in the second quarter, 22-3, to lead at the intermission, 29-16.
Borgia extended the lead after three quarters, 45-29.
