In their second game of the season, the Lady Cats defeated New Haven, 60-23, last Monday.

A key to the win was Linn’s rebounding and defense.

“We really have gotten after it on the glass this season,” said Coach Caleb Thomas as Linn won the rebounding battle 42-21. “What we are doing on the glass has really helped our defense as well. Limiting second-chance points puts more pressure on decision-making.”

Linn took advantage of that pressure to generate 21 deflections and 18 steals. That also led to an 18-3 disparity in second-chance points as Linn shot 32.8% overall. The team drained seven three-pointers on the night as well.

“We shot the ball the way we can as well, using some interior dominance to open up some perimeter looks,” said Thomas.

In the post, Carly Brandt secured her first double-double of the season with 17 points and 14 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end. She also had four steals and a block. Paige Senevey also posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds (7 offensive) to go with a team-high seven steals.

Nicole Grellner led the guards with 11 points and four rebounds, as Ali Russell counted eight points, with an assist and steal. Heslie Higginbotham added six points, two assists and two rebounds.

Kenzie Hackmann finished with five points, three assists, and two steals, as Jorja Kempker posted three points and three steals.

Linn lost its opener to St. Elizabeth, 61-38.

Grellner and Kempker scored nine apiece to lead the team, as Hackmann posted eight, followed by Higginbotham (6), Senevey (4), and Brandt (2). Grellner and Hackmann had three assists apiece.

On the glass, Brandt’s eight rebounds paced the squad, as Higginbotham and Senevey pulled down five each, Kempker, Russell, and Hackmann each had four, Grellner finished with three, and Brynlee Furgeson added one.

Higgs had four steals and a block, Senevey added a steal and a block, and Grellner finished with a steal.