The Ballard women's basketball team picked up a key winter break victory Friday night, holding off Gilbert for a 55–47 win behind balanced scoring and strong perimeter shooting.

The game was tightly contested from the opening tip.  Both teams were even after the first quarter at 15–15, and Gilbert carried a narrow 26–25 lead into halftime.  The Bombers responded coming out of the break, using a 15–9 third quarter to take control and then matching Gilbert score-for-score in the fourth to secure the eight-point win.

Junior Grace Grundmeyer led all scorers with 22 points, delivering an efficient night from the floor.  She connected on 6-of-8 shots overall and knocked down five three-pointers, while also going 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.  Grundmeyer added eight rebounds and three assists to anchor the Ballard offense.

Sophomore Maci Harder provided a strong inside presence, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting.  Olivia Wacha filled up the stat sheet with eight points, six rebounds, and a team-high seven assists, while also recording three steals.  Kaylor Johnson added four points, three assists, and two blocks to help control the paint.

Ballard shot 47.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range, while converting 11-of-15 free throws.  The Bombers also shared the ball effectively, totaling 17 assists on 19 made field goals.

With the win, Ballard improves to 2–7 (2-4).

Up Next: Ballard returns to action on Tuesday, January 6, traveling to Carroll for a 6:00 PM Raccoon River Conference contest.

Photo Credit: Kevin Rowedder