RICHLAND CENTER — Sophomore Kylie Burns converted three straight free throws with 3.2 seconds left in overtime to give the Richland Center Hornets a 55-54 non-conference win here Tuesday night.
The win was the Hornets’ first of the season and ended a 45-game losing streak dating back to the end of the 2022–23 campaign.
“They never gave up,” said coach Jeremy Kooi of his team which fought back from an early 12-point deficit
The Hornets rallied to pull within 27–21 at the half and finally tied the game midway through the second half. The lead changed hands several times down the stretch before Regan Schoepp scored from close range to put the Hornets ahead 47–45. Viroqua freshman Allyah Schwenn quickly penetrated and scored to tie the game, 47–47, and force overtime.
In the extra period, Burns accounted for all eight of the Hornets’ points with a three-pointer and five of five from the free throw line.
Ella Weiss led the Hornets in scoring with 22 points while Burns finished with 16. Jaycee Gander netted six, Carley Mieden five, Schoepp four and Jasmine Hazlerig two.
Schwenn topped all scorers with 24 points for Viroqua. Emily Hubatch scored 14 and Emma Moilien had 10.
The Hornets were 19 of 30 from the free throw line while Viroqua converted 15 of 29 but only three of six in overtime.