Kirtland Community College

Sports News Release

10775 N. St. Helen Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 (989) 275-5000     kirtland.edu
Subject: Kirtland’s Lady Firebirds end regular season with winning record
For Release: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005		 Office: Public Relations 
Contact: Irene Borak, (989) 275-5000 Ext. 242

Kirtland’s Lady Firebirds end regular season
with winning record
ROSCOMMON – In her first year as head coach of the Kirtland Firebirds, Teresa Stuck has led her team to a winning season – the first in the team’s five-year history. The Lady Firebirds made it official by beating Macomb Community College 77-73 on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in Warren, boosting the Firebirds’ record to 9-7 in MCCAA Eastern Conference play (12-17 overall).

Their record puts them in a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference, along with Wayne County CC and Oakland CC. Mott CC placed first in the conference with a record of 16-0, followed by Schoolcraft CC at 13-3 and St. Clair County CC at 10-6.

“Macomb (2-14) played a very good game against us,” Stuck said. “It was their last game of the season and they had nothing to lose and it showed.”

Kirtland came out strong and was also up at the half, 40-29.

“We got off to a good start and got up early, but Macomb didn’t quit,” Stuck said. “They took the lead in the second half before we regained control and finished the game.”

Kenzie Steward, of Alma, led the Firebirds in scoring with 19 points, and in rebounding with 9. She added 3 assists and 3 steals.

Amanda Cooper, of Harrison, added 17 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds, while Nynne Larsen, of Denmark, posted 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.

The Lady Firebirds appear to be at full strength heading into the post season which begins with the NJCAA District H Tournament at Delta College. Kirtland won a fifth seed and is scheduled to play Lakeland CC (Ohio) at 8 p.m. Friday, March 4, in the quarterfinal round.

“We are very much looking forward to a rematch against Lakeland in the tournament,” Stuck said. “We’ve improved by leaps, bounds and strides from the last time we played them and are looking for a big upset. Our girls believe they can do it.”

The winner of that quarterfinal game will play in the semifinals Saturday, March 5, at 3 p.m., with the championship game set for Sunday, March 6, at 1 p.m.