Delta Pulls Away for Win Over ACC

ALPENA, Mich. – The Alpena Community College women's basketball team faced a challenging matchup against Delta College on Saturday afternoon, falling 70-41 at Park Arena. The loss drops the Lady Lumberjacks to 4-12 overall and 0-6 in conference play, while Delta improved to 10-10 and 3-3 in the conference.

Delta jumped out to a quick start, with Brooke Swartz connecting on a three-pointer assisted by Damaya Hartwick to open the scoring. The Pioneers' pressure defense forced early turnovers, and they capitalized with transition baskets. Brooke Portice answered for ACC with a jumper assisted by Sarah Wyglendowski to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Pioneers continued to build their advantage throughout the opening period. Swartz and Annaka Neetz connected on multiple occasions, with Neetz grabbing offensive rebounds to create second-chance opportunities. Ellianna Miller knocked down a three-pointer to extend Delta's lead to 8-2 with just over seven minutes remaining in the quarter.

ACC struggled to find offensive rhythm in the opening period, with Saige Flaugher and the Lumberjacks having difficulty breaking through Delta's defense. The Pioneers forced multiple turnovers, including steals by Swartz that led to easy transition opportunities. Sarah Wyglendowski provided a spark with a made basket to cut the lead to 13-4, but Delta responded.

Aleixs Schlatter came off the bench and made an immediate impact for Delta, hitting a three-pointer assisted by Malaya Brown as time expired in the first quarter. The Pioneers held a commanding 23-7 advantage after one quarter, dominating the boards and forcing ACC into difficult shots.

ACC came out with renewed energy in the second quarter. Meeghan Flikkie scored for Delta early, but Portice responded with a basket and a free throw to inch closer. Saige Flaugher found her shooting touch with a pair of jump shots, keeping the Lumberjacks within striking distance despite the deficit.

Miller continued her hot shooting for Delta, connecting on a three-pointer to push the lead to 30-12. The Pioneers maintained their composure, with Neetz controlling the glass and the team executing their offensive sets. 

The Lady Lumberjacks refused to fold. Lillie Maser scored inside, and Elise Flaugher hit a free throw to keep ACC within striking distance. Makayla Watkins was active for Delta, making a jump shot to maintain the Pioneers' cushion at 32-14. Miller closed the half with another three-pointer, giving Delta a 39-19 halftime advantage.

Despite the deficit, ACC showed improvement in the second quarter, outscoring Delta 16-12 in the period.

Delta came out of halftime determined to put the game away. Miller connected on another three-pointer assisted by Swartz to push the lead to 42-19. ACC answered with a jump shot from Saige Flaugher, but the Pioneers continued to control both ends of the floor.

The Lady Lumberjacks showed resilience despite the mounting deficit. Saige Flaugher knocked down a three-pointer to trim the lead, and Maser scored inside assisted by Wyglendowski. Flaugher continued to attack the basket, scoring on multiple possessions to keep ACC competitive.

Aya Mosley provided energy off the bench for Delta with several baskets, including a putback after an offensive rebound. Malaya Brown hit a three-pointer to extend the Pioneers' lead to 53-26. ACC's Flaugher remained aggressive, hitting another three-pointer late in the quarter. At the end of three quarters, Delta held a 55-31 advantage.

The final quarter saw both teams clear their benches, providing valuable experience for younger players. Schlatter scored for Delta to push the lead to 57-33, while Olivia Nickson added a basket for the Pioneers. Bella Smith came off the bench and made an immediate impact with a basket and strong defensive play.

ACC continued to compete throughout the final period. Portice converted two free throws, and Elise Flaugher scored a jump shot assisted by her sister Saige. The Flaugher sisters provided most of ACC's offensive production in the second half, with Saige finishing as the team's leading scorer.

Delta's depth proved crucial down the stretch. Abigail Hendy scored on an assist from Flikkie, and Watkins added a basket to extend the lead to 70-39. The Pioneers' balanced rotation kept fresh legs on the floor throughout the game, wearing down the Lumberjacks with their defensive pressure.

Saige Flaugher led all Lumberjacks with 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including two three-pointers. The guard was ACC's most consistent offensive threat, attacking the basket throughout the game and showing her scoring versatility. Flaugher also contributed five rebounds and five assists while playing a team-high 38 minutes.

Brooke Portice added nine points and seven rebounds for ACC, battling inside against Delta's frontcourt. She converted five of eight free throws and provided toughness on the glass. Elise Flaugher contributed eight points off the bench, hitting a three-pointer and providing solid minutes alongside her sister.

Lillie Maser pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds to go along with six points, showcasing her work on the boards. Sarah Wyglendowski added eight rebounds and three assists, facilitating the offense and crashing the glass. Allison Cece made her defensive presence felt with two blocks and two steals despite not scoring.

For Delta, Ellianna Miller was exceptional with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers. Her hot shooting from beyond the arc helped the Pioneers build their early lead and maintain control throughout. Brooke Swartz added 10 points and a game-high five steals, orchestrating Delta's pressure defense.

Delta's three-point shooting proved decisive, as the Pioneers connected on eight of 35 attempts (22.9%) while ACC made three of six (50.0%).

The Pioneers dominated the glass, out-rebounding ACC 64-36, including a 39-6 advantage on the offensive boards. This led to numerous second-chance opportunities and limited ACC's possessions. Neetz, Watkins, and Mosley combined for 29 rebounds, controlling the paint throughout the game.

Turnovers were a critical factor in the outcome. ACC committed 27 turnovers compared to Delta's 13, with the Pioneers' pressure defense forcing ACC into difficult situations. Delta converted these turnovers into easy transition baskets, with Swartz's five steals leading to multiple fast-break opportunities.

Delta's depth was on full display, with the Pioneers receiving 34 bench points compared to ACC's 14. The ability to rotate fresh players kept pressure on the Lumberjacks throughout the game. ACC shot better from the field (31.4% to 26.7%) and from three-point range, but the turnover differential and rebounding margin proved insurmountable.

Team Statistics

Up Next

The Lady Lumberjacks will look to bounce back when they host Kirtland Community College on Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30 PM at Park Arena.