February 14, 2004

Modlin, Ninemire Lead Lopers

Lopers Strong Inside

            Kearney, NE – Iowa sophomore Kalee Modlin had 22 points and Fairfield junior Taryn Ninemire scored 20 off the bench to lead the Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team to a 82-58 win over Colorado School of Mines Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.

            UNK improves to 18-5 (12-3 RMAC) while Mines drops to 10-13 (8-7 RMAC).

            Things didn't start out great for UNK as senior forward Allison Kruger hurt her foot on the opening tip. The oft-injured Kruger returned in the second half and finished with six points and two rebounds in 10 minutes.

            Already this week, UNK lost freshman reserve Katie O'Grady to a shoulder injury.

            Despite playing most of the game with seven players, UNK dominated the post and held Mines' 6-3 center Ashley Gronewoller in check. Modlin had 17 first half points as the Lopers out scored Mines 34-10 in the paint on the night. The blue and gold also won the war on the glass, 38-28.

            North Platte sophomore Anne Manning had 11 points and four rebounds and replaced Kruger in the lineup. With Modlin in foul trouble, Manning and freshman Mary Connealy, held Gronewoller to eight points and six rebounds. She came in averaging close to 20 points and eight boards a game.

            Ninemire had 15 second half points and sunk 8 of 13 shots on the night. She also had three rebounds and three assists.

            Also on the perimeter, senior Heather Steffen, junior Amber Whitlock and sophomore Nicole Gruntorad combined for 21 points, 18 rebounds and 15 assists. 

            Ahead 20-14 halfway through the first half, UNK went on an 11-2 over the next five minutes to push its lead to 15 points. The Loper lead would only grow from there.

            Kim Kilmer and Heather Angel led Mines with 13 points apiece.