Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. – Parkside earned its fifth consecutive victory with a dominant second-half performance on Thursday night. After trailing by seven at halftime against Lake Superior State (LSSU), the Rangers surged back with two strong quarters to secure a 75-61 win. This marks Parkside's 11th road victory of the season, and with favorable results around the league, they are now in a three-way tie for second place in the GLIAC.
Inside the Box Score:
- Cassidy Arni posted her second straight 20+ point performance, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
- Sheridan Flauger delivered another standout performance, scoring 18 points while playing 39 minutes. She added seven rebounds, five assists, and knocked down four three-pointers.
- Lillie Petersen controlled the boards with a game-high 11 rebounds, coming close to a double-double with seven points.
How It Happened:
Fresh off her game-winner against Grand Valley State, Sheridan Flauger wasted no time getting started, drilling a three-pointer on Parkside's first possession. LSSU battled early and took a brief 7-5 lead, but Kendal Zeiter responded with six straight points. Flauger followed with another three, giving Parkside a 12-7 advantage. Arni contributed four points, including two free throws, helping Parkside take a 19-14 lead after the first quarter. That was just the beginning of a big night for Arni.
Despite a strong start, Parkside struggled offensively in the second quarter. LSSU outscored them 22-10, taking control of momentum with a buzzer-beating three to end the half. Parkside entered the break trailing 36-29, facing its largest deficit of the game.
The Rangers came out firing in the third quarter. Arni and Chloe Van Zeeland combined for six quick points, and a three from Lillie Petersen cut the deficit to one. Just 30 seconds later, Kaalyn Petersen's layup gave Parkside the lead. LSSU briefly regained the advantage, but in the final four minutes of the quarter, Flauger took over. She scored eight points down the stretch, hitting a key and-one and a three-pointer to put Parkside ahead 53-50 heading into the fourth.
LSSU couldn't keep pace with Parkside in the final quarter. Arni opened with five straight points, including a tough and-one finish. She continued attacking LSSU's zone defense, scoring another five in a row minutes later. Her lone three-pointer of the game stretched Parkside's lead to nine with five minutes remaining. Moments later, Flauger knocked down another clutch three, and Peighton Nelson sealed the game by turning a steal into an easy transition layup.
Parkside outscored LSSU 22-11 in the fourth quarter and 46-25 in the second half overall. The win improves the Rangers to 17-7 overall and 12-5 in GLIAC play, while their road record moves to an impressive 11-3.
Next Up:
Parkside will put its five-game winning streak on the line this Saturday in Big Rapids against Ferris State. The Rangers, who lost to the Bulldogs earlier this season, will look for redemption with tipoff set for 12:00 PM CT. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
