On Dec. 1, the Lady Chieftains took the long road trip to Pecatonica and the varsity came home with a definitive victory, winning 59-23.
Tough defense and balanced team scoring proved more than Pecatonica could handle, showing that the Chieftains have depth from the bench that can support the team effort.
Leading scorers were Macy Mau with 11 (shooting eight of 10 from the free throw line), Amanda Meister with 10, and Mackenzie Hereid with nine points. Nearly every player contributed to the scoring effort.
Top rebounders were Tatum Johnson with six, while Autumn Noble and Bailey Conner each snagged five. Defensively, Meister led the team with seven steals, followed by McKenzie Couey and Macey Klebesadel with five a piece.
The JV had a low scoring battle, losing 13-15. Leading scorers and rebounders were Michelle Carter, Gabby Werthwein, and Carley Hach. Allison Grimm led the team in steals.
Then on Friday, Dec. 4, the teams opened conference play traveling to Fennimore. The Lady Chieftains played solid both defensively and offensively, again putting nearly every player on the scoreboard.
Riverdale’s defense down low slowed down Fennimore's inside game, forcing them to put up lower percentage outside shots. Strong defense on the perimeter prevented the Golden Eagles from developing any continuity from the outside.
Offensively, the Chieftains worked hard against a physical Fennimore team and freshman Tatum Johnson showed her chops with some helpful second half minutes to relieve Noble, who got into some first half foul trouble.
With a strong team effort, the Lady Chieftains managed to walk away with a secure victory, winning 62-42.
Amanda Meister led the team with a double-double, 20 points and 14 rebounds. Macey Klebesadel also had a strong showing, putting up 17 and getting nine rebounds.
Other scorers include: Herreid with nine and Autumn Noble with six. Other rebounders were Noble and Couey with seven each.
The JV led the whole game and won 53-46. Lead scorers T. Johnson, 19; Callie Arellano, 16; Chloe Klebesadel, 10; and Bailey Conner, 6. Top rebounders: Conner, 6; Arellano, 5; and Johnson and Carter with 4 each.
