On Friday, Feb. 7, the Eureka Lady Tornadoes took on the Neodesha Bluestreaks in another highly anticipated Tri-Valley League matchup. Despite a strong second-half surge, Eureka couldn’t erase an early 13-point deficit, ultimately suffering a heartbreaking 30-33 loss. This marked the Tornadoes’ first home defeat in over seven years, bringing their record to 10-5 this season.
Neodesha set the tone early, opening the game with an offensive putback and a pair of free throws. Eureka responded with a pullup jumper from Laynie Winfrey, but the team struggled offensively throughout the first half. Free throws from Britta Mongeau and Hannah Perrier, along with two-point field goals from Winfrey, Elle Coulter, and Arabella Shepherd, accounted for the Tornadoes’ firsthalf points. However, by halftime, Eureka found themselves trailing 1124.
Determined to mount a comeback, the Tornadoes came out swinging in the second half, steadily chipping away at Neodesha’s lead. Mongeau, Lydia Mason, and Shepherd each contributed to the scoring effort, but it was Winfrey who led the charge, putting up 11 points in the final two quarters. With just seconds remaining, Eureka’s defense scrambled to force a turnover and regain possession, but Neodesha held firm, sealing the narrow victory.
The loss not only snapped Eureka’s home winning streak but also served as a hard-fought learning experience for the squad. The Lady Tornadoes now turn their focus to their next matchup, looking to bounce back and finish the season strong.
Stats and Scoring Leaders: POINTS: Winfrey 15, Mongeau 5, Shepherd 4, Mason 3, Coulter 2, and Perrier 1. REBOUNDS: Kimber Ptacek 7, Perrier 5, Mongeau and Mason 4 and Winfrey, Coulter and Shepherd 3.
ASSISTS: Mason 3 and Ptacek 2. STEALS: Mason 3 and Alaina Westerman 2.
Up Next
Next week, the Tornadoes will hit the road to Douglass to compete against the Bulldogs on Tuesday, Feb. 11. On Friday, Feb. 14, Eureka will host the Bluestem Lions on their home turf.
