MAC women struggle in return from break against SW Illinois
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Mineral Area forward Alayna Lagemann (25) dribbles in for a layup after making a steal during fourth quarter women’s basketball action against Rend Lake on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Park Hills. (Matt King, Daily Journal
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – The Mineral Area women’s basketball team could not find an offensive rhythm during its first outing since the holiday break
Unbeaten SW Illinois held the Cardinals to 16 percent shooting in the first half, and forced 21 turnovers to sweep the regular season series 66-47 on Saturday.
Talesha Gilmore compiled 16 points, 11 rebounds and three steals, and the Blue Storm seized control with a 6:37 stretch of scoreless defense in the first half.
SW Illinois (15-0) opened the game on a 10-2 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Iva Madugorac, and restored a 19-8 lead when Gilmore posted up to conclude the first quarter.
Layla Pierce broke ahead of the pack for an uncontested layup, and Sophia Hoffman buried a triple from the left wing to establish a 32-13 halftime separation.
Mineral Area (11-4) entered the contest on a seven-game win streak, and began 0-of-11 from beyond the arc until Mariah Dallas connected in the fourth quarter.
Dallas finished with a game-high 17 points and four steals while 10 teammates combined to produce the Cardinals’ remaining 30 points.
Presley Holweg flipped in a wild scoop through contact as MAC began the third quarter with a 7-0 spurt. But the visitors still ended at 27 percent from the field.
Consecutive 3-pointers by Holly Woods and Hoffman highlighted a 12-2 response, and SW Illinois carried a 49-22 advantage into the fourth.
Dallas twice scored through contact down the stretch for the Cardinals. Kinley Norris swished two triples in the final moments to equal Karma Jones with six points.
Madugorac totaled 11 points, six rebounds and four steals in the victory. Woods added 10 points with six rebounds while Hoffman matched Pierce with nine points.
The Blue Storm shot a modest 35 percent, and lost starting guard Kelbie Zupan to an ankle injury during a rebound battle late in the third period.
Alayna Lagemann grabbed seven rebounds off the MAC bench before fouling out. The Cardinals will begin the Region 16 schedule at home against State Fair on Wednesday.
