×

Daavettila scores 32, Finlandia beats Lawrence 74-58

Julia Daavettila of Finlandia goes to the baseline during Tuesday's game against Lawrence University at Paavo Nurmi Gym. Daavettila scored 32 points to lead the Lions to a 74-58 win. (Paul Peterson photo)

HANCOCK — As far as John Motherwell was concerned, his Finlandia women’s basketball team followed the game plan perfectly Tuesday night.

“I thought we executed our plays really well,” Motherwell said after a 74-58 victory over Lawrence at Paavo Nurmi Gym. “It seems like when we do, we have a good chance to win.”

Senior forward Julia Daavettila and sophomore guard Molly Berg played big roles in Finlandia’s fourth win in 15 tries this season.

The two were especially effective in the opening half.

Daavettila, the former Dollar Bay High standout, poured in 21 of her game-high 32 points. Hancock High product Berg added 11 points and five assists in the opening 20 minutes as FU grabbed a 38-32 lead.

“You know, that’s OK if we get a mismatch, and they [Lawrence] don’t stop it,” Motherwell said. “The thing about those two players is that they never seem to get tired …. and we need them to play those minutes.”

The visiting Vikings had their own version of a one-woman show in 6-foot center Kenya Earl, who notched 14 of her team-leading 24 points in the first two quarters.

“She [Earl] was a load inside, she was tough to stop,” Motherwell said. “We kept switching on the inside to contain her.”

Senior Kelsie Richards (Houghton), who scored just two points in the opening half, scored 11 points in the second half. She also grabbed a team-high 13 rebounds as FU maintained its lead.

“When Lawrence started concentrating on Julia (Davettila), Kelsie Richards stepped up and really played well in the second half,” Motherwell said.

With a 55-46 lead after three periods, the Lions fended off a couple of Vikings rallies in the final quarter.

Jaycee Faccio came off the bench to contribute six points and 11 boards in a steady outing.

Berg finished with 18 points, nine assists and six rebounds. She was 4-6 from long range.

Earl was led Lawrence (5-12) with 24 points and six rebounds. Leah Reeves added 13 more.

Finlandia travels to Crown for its next game on Friday.

– – –

Lawrence — Cumming 5, Reeves 13, Earl 24, Hoseley 7, Minogue 5, Hill 2, Jonjak 2. FT: 6-7; Rebounds: 35 (Earl 6); Fouls: 17; Fouled out; None;

 3-point FG: Earl 3, Cumming 1, Minogue 1.

Finlandia — Berg 18, Pertile 5, Daavettila 32, Richards 13, Faacio 6. FT 15-17; Rebounds: 48 (Richards 13); Fouls: 8; Fouled out: None. 3-point FG: Berg 4, Daavettila 3, Richards 2.

Halftime score: FU 38, Lawrence 32.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today