Benedictine came to Olathe and took two games from the Pioneers on Thursday. In the women's game, Kiley Herold's career-high 31 points were not enough to overcome a late Benedictine charge, and the Pioneers lost 86-82 in overtime. MNU trailed 12-1 early as they struggled to find an offensive rhythm, but a 10-0 run got them back in the game. Herold dominated the first half with 21 points and led the Pioneers on a 19-6 run to close the half. MNU had a 9-point lead early in the second half, but Benedictine went on a 14-5 run to tie the game. Janee' Garza's 5-6 performance at the line in the final minute seemingly sealed the game for MNU, but BC guard Kaela Stratman saved the Ravens. She hit a 3 on one possession, and nailed a tough runner in the lane to tie it in the final seconds to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, the Pioneers took a 3-point lead with 90 seconds left but never scored again. The Ravens scored 7 points to close the game and the Pioneers fell to 6-6 in the HAAC.
Herold had 31 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Rachel Boan had 11 points. Kristie Tiegreen had 10 points and 10 rebounds (8 offensive). And CJ Wesemann had 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals off the bench.
The Pioneers are 8-14 (6-6 HAAC). The next game is Saturday at William Jewell at 2:00 PM.
In the men's game, the Pioneers trailed by 18 points after 12 minutes and never got back in the game. A 24-point lead was whittled to 13 with 6 minutes left, but the Pioneers could not get closer as Benedictine hit enough free throws to keep MNU at bay.
Rustin Dowd used a 16-16 night at the free throw line to have a game-high 22 points and 6 assists. Conner Langrehr had 11 points. Lukas Weigel had 9 points and 8 rebounds. And Luke Thomas had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists off the bench.
The Pioneers are 10-12 (5-7 HAAC). The next game is Saturday at William Jewell at 4:00 PM.
