Under the Radar No More, Crimson off to 2-0 Start

MINNETONKA, Minn- The Maple Grove began the 2009-2010 season well under most experts radar. Not ranked in the top ten, the Crimson are well on the map following a 2-0 start which saw victories over #2 Hopkins (AAAA) on Tuesday and #1 Hill-Murray (AAA) on Saturday 59-54 as part of the Breakdown Tip Off Classic.

The Crimson found themselves down early, trailing 23-12 following tremendous outside shooting from Corrine McCallum, who buried three pointers on two straight trips. The Crimson defense settled in and was able to take advantage of Pioneer post Bethany Doolittle’s absence due to foul trouble. Maple Grove went on a 15-2 run to end the half with a 27-25 lead.

Doolittle picked up her fourth foul two minutes into the second half and the Crimson took full advantage. Junior guard Ellen Edison provided pressure defense as the Crimson pushed their lead in the second half to double digits before watching the Pioneers battle back. They could get no closer to five points as Maple Grove held on for the win.

Julie Kruse led the way with 16 points while senior guard Jen Field added 14 to pace the Crimson who will face #9 Minneapolis South on Tuesday night before beginning conference play.

The Pioneers were led by Tessa Cichy’s 19 points McCallum added 10.