Chug too massive for Tigers

By Janice Kurbjun
Times staff writer

The Encampment girls lost to Chugwater on Saturday, 35-33.

The Tigers fell behind in the first quarter by five and “just couldn’t make up the deficit,” coach Jami Krein said.

Offensively, the girls were up against a tough crowd. Chugwater presented a half-court trap that forced Encampment to adjust its game. Free throws also proved difficult, as the ladies sunk four of 13.

Still, the Tigers achieved one of their goals. Hoping to get the posts more involved, Krein said her team left the game with increased scoring from that position.

“We weren’t sure what to expect,” Krein said. She mentioned the sophomore Chugwater star Kristine Hilger, who’s had a strong season and gave Encampment a good show.

The squad had solid teamwork as six girls scored, including high scorer Jamie Marchetti, who had 10. Mackenzie Rakness walked off with seven points, Kindle Soderberg with six and Chelsea Knotwell bucketed five, Lacey Hooker had three and Shelby Wilder shot two.

Despite the loss to Hanna Elk Mountain Medicine Bow on Friday, the girls were confident going into Saturday’s game. “We had beaten (Chugwater) twice last year,” Krein said. “That may have been part of our problem, starting the game off with a bit of overconfidence.”