Lady Plainsmen Pull Away for 40-30 Win over Hershey

Jacqui Pulley scored a career-high 21 points to help the Laramie Lady Plainsmen to a 40-30 victory over Hershey, Nebraska in their opening game of the Cabela's Holiday Shootout in Sidney, NE on Thursday. Laramie led by one at the start of the fourth quarter and pulled away to give the Lady Panthers their first loss this season.

Laramie (3-3) out-scored Hershey 16-7 in the fourth quarter and made key free throws down the stretch that preserved the win.

The game went back-and-forth early with three lead changes and three ties before a quick spurt by LHS gave them a 13-9 lead at the end of the first. The Lady Plainsmen struggled in the second, as they managed only three points. Hershey rallied and tied the game at 16-16 at halftime.

After an early tie in the third at 18 apiece, Laramie stretched their lead back to six at 24-18, but the Lady Panthers pulled within in 24-23, as the game headed into the final quarter.

LHS had a quick 7-0 run that started the final frame and put them in control. Hershey never got closer than five points the rest of the way.

Pulley scored 15 of her 21 in the second half. She finished 8-11 from the field and 5-5 at the free throw line. Caitlan Hensley added a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Lady Plainsmen shot 32 percent (14-44) from the field, 0-4 from deep and 12-15 (80%) at the foul line. They out-rebounded the Lady Panthers 34-31 and forced 21 turnovers.

Hershey (7-1) was led by Brooke Munsen with 10 points. They shot 21 percent (9-43) from the field, 3-16 (19%) from 3-point range and 9-15 (60%) at the stripe.

The Laramie girls advance to the tournament semifinals where they will play Central City, Nebraska at 3:45 p.m. Friday. Central City downed Sidney, NE in their first game, 35-27.

Coverage of Lady Plainsmen basketball starts at 3 p.m. Friday on KOWB (AM 1290). David Settle and VerDon Hoopes will call the action.