MIO – The visiting Delta College Pioneers literally outshot the Kirtland Community College womens basketball team for an 80-63 win Saturday, Jan. 30, on the Firebirds home floor at the McGregor Athletic Complex in Mio.

Kirtland (3-19 overall, 1-10 conference) actually shot better, hitting just less than 45 percent (22-of-49) from the floor, in the clash between the two Michigan Community College Athletic Association Eastern Division teams. Delta (10-11 overall, 6-5 conference) connected on 42.2 percent (27-of-64) of its shots, but put up 25 more shots for the game.

“That’s good for us,” said Kirtland head coach Tom Ritter of his team’s offensive performance. “We shot the better percentage. But, obviously, we gave up too many points defensively.”

The Pioneers, who held a 40-31 lead at the half, did have a good afternoon at the charity stripe, however, knocking down 21-of-23 (91.3 percent) free-throw attempts. The Firebirds were 12-of-18 (66.7) at the line.

Other than that, the two conference rivals played a fairly even game. Both teams tallied five three-pointers, with the Pioneers outrebounding Kirtland by only one, 33-32.

“I’m not upset with this game at all, although it would have been nice to win it,” Ritter said. “We saw more consistency today than any game we might have played this year. We got solid efforts from a number of people.”

Sophomore forward Katie Shea (Clare) knocked down four treys on her way to 18-points, as well as 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, in the home loss. Freshman guard-forward Kristen Ormsbee (Johannesburg-Lewiston) also had 18 points and 6 boards for the Firebirds, while handing out 1 assist and nabbing 1 steal.

Kirtland’s freshman center, Teri Taylor (Clare), had another impressive game at both ends of the court, recording team highs in rebounds (7) and blocked shots (5) to go with her 16 points and 1 assist.

“We played a good game, just not good enough,” Ritter added.

Other contributors for the host Firebirds included: Joyana Englehart (Atlanta) with 3 points, 3 rebound, 2 assists and 2 steals; Gina Gerow (Tawas Area) with 2 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal; Alexandra Kappen (Cass City) with 2 points, 3 rebound and 1 steal; Jessica Sewell (Johannesburg-Lewiston) with 2 points and 3 boards; and Chelsea Williams (Houghton Lake) with 2 points. Lindsay Nelson (Arenac Eastern) and Kayla Lefler (Mio AuSable) also played but did not score.

Freshman guard Gracie Baumgartner (Michigan Lutheran Seminary) paced the Pioneers’ winning effort with a game-high 28 points. Other area players for Delta included Alyssa White (Standish-Sterling) with 4 points, 2 steals and 1 assist; Lindsay Nelson (Standish-Sterling) with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 blocked shot; and Lauren Bluhm (John Glenn) with 9 points and 3 rebounds.

For more information on Kirtland athletics, visit online at firebirds.kirtland.edu or call 989-275-5000, extension 385.