HANCOCK — Their season may be over, but the Finlandia University women’s basketball team is already looking forward to next season.

The Lions closed out the campaign Wednesday night with a 71-41 win over Bay College at Paavo Nurmi Gym.

Finlandia coach Mariah Dunham said the abbreviated season was tough on her team.

“I know for sure the girls are ready to keep playing,” Dunham said. “But all of that is beyond our control. We were lucky to have played at all this season. Still, I thought we gained some valuable experience for next season.”

As for the game last night the locals grabbed a quick 16-6 lead and were never headed.

Mariah Austin and Harley Froberg were the main weapons for the winners in a 34-18 first half lead.

Austin totaled nine points in the first two quarters, while former Houghton High product Froberg had eight points and some good defensive work.

Both contributed on the boards with 11 and 10 caroms respectively.

“Rebounding had been a concern of ours, so we worked on it in practice,” Dunham said.

FU held a solid 46-21 edge on the boards.

Dunham felt defense was a key ingredient in her team’s fifth win in six tries in the shortened season. The Lions, over the past two seasons, captured 19 of their last 20 games.

“We played solid defense and held down their main scorers,” the Lions’ coach said. “And we played good team defense.”

The Norse could not place a player in double figures in the game. Former Ontonagon High standout Lori Wardzynki was limited to six points. 

Wardzynski has been among the Norse top scorers this season.

Finandia had excellent balance. Bailey Froberg pitched in nine points while Brooke Dalgord and Toria Nagy divided 16 more.

Usually high-scoring Katie Lundeen was held to six points, but grabbed seven rebounds in limited playing time.

Carsyn Osterman (Baraga) added six points, five assists and four rebounds.

Bay College was led by Susan Bolton’s eight points.