Vikes stage comeback in season opener win

By Danielle Strenke
Looking at the scoreboard midway through the second quarter, it was difficult to imagine the Vikings coming back from a 22-7 deficit against Roseville in the home opener last Friday.
But first half jitters from a girlís squad that had only one returning starter were quickly overcome as the second quarter came to a close.
It led into a second half where the Vikes outscored the Raiders 32-22 to pull off a 53-48 win in the season opener.
Roseville opened the game by hitting a three-pointer and added 3 more in the quarter to take an early lead.
North Branch looked hesitant and somewhat surprised by the aggressiveness of the Raiders.
ìI thought the girls seemed a little nervous before the game started,î head coach Dan Schindler said.
He said he had expected first-game nervousness, because only senior Traci Reimann was a starter throughout the season last year.
With five minutes left in the second quarter, Roseville took a sizable 22-7 lead before the Vikes settled down and started pacing the game.
The Vikings held the Raiders scoreless for the next four minutes as they rallied to narrow the gap to 26-21 at the half.
Schindler said the team needed time to focusing on getting the ball inside, where the Vikes could use size to its advantage.
ìI was really happy with the play from our bench in the quarter,î Schindler said.
He credited sophomore Jenny Anderson for strong play in the quarter, filling in for Reimann who found herself in foul trouble.
Roseville retained its lead in the third quarter by outscoring the Vikings 15-12 and holding on to the 41-33 lead.
North Branch continued to battle back, narrowing the gap and going on an offensive tear in the fourth quarter.
As the clock ticked down to less than two minutes, Reimann stepped up to the line and sank two free throws for the first Vikings lead, 47-46.
The Vikes capitalized on defensive mistakes from the Raiders, adding free throws and a basket for the 53-48 win.
Schindler was pleased to start the season with a win.
ìIf the girls continue to work hard we have a chance to be a pretty good basketball team.î
This week, the team was scheduled to face Minneapolis Washburn Tuesday.

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