COLUMBUS – Kearney’s Kierstynn Garner had 24 points through three quarters of play, propelling the Bearcats past Columbus on Saturday afternoon. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
After downing Norfolk on Friday night and earning their third win, Kearney looked to improve their stock and continue their winning ways as they faced the 2-3 Columbus Discoverers to cap off a road weekend in Northeast Nebraska.
The Bearcats started early, getting buckets and a three pointer from Garner while stifling the offensive momentum of Columbus. Maddy Province also provided a push from the charity stripe, adding two from the foul line and a follow through to finish with four points all coming in the first quarter. At the end of the first, Kearney led 11-7.
The Bearcats never allowed Columbus to lead or get within a one possession reach, and into the second quarter Kearney paced a 22-16 lead by out-dueling Columbus 11-9 in the quarter. Garner added two more triples and was aided by a three pointer from younger sister Kennidy with a three pointer of her own. With Columbus continuing to not allow inside looks, the Garners fired more triples leading to the advantage entering halftime.
Kierstynn added 9 more points all from downtown in the third, outmatching the total scoring of Columbus as she had 24 and the Discoverers closed the third with only 21. Tatum Rusher was finally added to the scoresheet as well, contributing two points in the third. Kearney led 34-21 entering the fourth quarter.
The final quarter found Rusher add the only scores of the final eight minutes for Kearney, dropping eight more to her total and finishing with 10 on the day. Kearney would earn a decisive victory for their fourth win on the year, downing Columbus 42-25.
The Bearcats had contributions from Garner with 24 points, 10 added by Rusher, 4 from Province, 3 by Kennidy Garner, and 1 by Harley Straka.
The Bearcats are off next week with a few practices prior to the holiday break, then prepare for the Heartland Athletic Conference tournament.
