Hornet girls fight back to .500

By RJ Walters / Daily News Sports Editor

As published in the Hillsdale Daily News on Feb. 14, 2009

Fans who like to see im­mediate results need to find out the modes and methods of Hillsdale girl’s basketball coach Nick Langston.

After winning a total of three games the past two years com­bined, the Hornets have quickly figured out how to win and are still alive in the hunt for an SMAA title in Langston’s first season.


The Hornets hung on for a 46-45 home win Friday night behind 14 points and four boards from Tiki Mal­one and now sit at 6-3 in the conference and 8-­8 overall.

The Hornets trailed by three at halftime, but took a one-point lead into the final quarter and it stayed that way.


Western nearly upended Hillsdale in the final mo­ments, but Stefanie Skiendziel came up with a big steal late and hit a pair of free throws to give the Hornets a four-point lead and they hit just enough free throws to pull out the win.


Jackie Anderson scored nine points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Skiendziel tallied eight of each.


Julie Shaffer was held to six points, but added three assists.


Burdick led Western with 17 points and Barday added 12.