Kirtland Community College

Sports News Release

10775 N. St. Helen Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 (989) 275-5000     kirtland.edu
Subject: Kirtland’s Lady Firebirds lose to St. Clair
For Release: Monday, Jan. 17, 2005		 Office: Public Relations 
Contact: Irene Borak, (989) 275-5000 Ext. 242

Kirtland’s Lady Firebirds fall short against St. Clair
PORT HURON – Despite a tremendous effort against a much taller team, Kirtland’s Lady Firebirds ended up on the wrong side of the 59-53 final score when they played St. Clair County Community College on the road Saturday, Jan. 15.

Despite the height challenge, against a team ranked seventh in the nation, Kirtland played with determination in a game coach Teresa Stuck termed “Firebird basketball.”

“We had every loose ball and played hard,” Stuck said. “Our defense was intense too; it just came down to making little mental mistakes in the last three minutes that a young team typically makes.”

Amanda Cooper led the Firebirds in scoring again with 18 points, knocking down five triples. Meghan Bastian had the best game she’s played all year, according to Stuck, with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

“This was fantastic,” Stuck said. “Meghan, only 5’8”, was facing four players 6’ tall or taller. I am so impressed with her determination and drive to get the ball tonight.”

Kenzie Steward, at only 5’9”, also boxed out well and played big underneath with 7 boards.

“This game is another encouraging one for the potential of this team,” said Stuck, adding that two out of the Lady Firebirds’ three losses during the week came to teams ranked in the top 10 in the nation, “and we played them tough.”

The loss dropped the Lady Firebirds to 1-4 in the Eastern Conference (4-14 overall). Earlier in the week they dropped two games, losing 90-56 to league-leading Schoolcraft College (5-0) on Monday, Jan. 10, and 84-63 against Delta College (3-2) on Wednesday, Jan. 12.

Fans of the Firebirds get to watch their team play on their home court, at the CRAF Center in Roscommon, for their next four games beginning Wednesday, Jan. 19, when they host second-place Mott Community College. The women’s game begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.

Their home schedule continues Saturday, Jan. 22, when the Firebirds host Alpena Community College (1 p.m.); Wednesday, Jan. 26, hosting Macomb Community College (5:30 p.m.); and Saturday, Jan. 29, hosting Wayne County Community College (1 p.m.).