The Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) Lady Lancers closed out 2024 with a commanding display of basketball, securing consecutive home-court victories against the Wyoming and Nebraska all-star teams on December 13-14, Torrington Telegram reports.
The Lady Lancers showcased their offensive firepower and defensive grit, winning 131-47 against Wyoming and 103-51 against Nebraska in a weekend filled with excitement and team spirit.
The Lady Lancers set the tone early in Friday’s game against the Wyoming all-stars, outpacing their opponents 26-12 in the first quarter. By halftime, EWC had established a dominant 68-20 lead, fueled by a relentless offensive push and stifling defense.
The Lady Lancers continued their momentum in the second half, outscoring Wyoming 35-23 in the third quarter and finishing with a stunning 28-4 surge in the fourth quarter. The final score of 131-47 was a testament to EWC’s depth, teamwork, and intensity on both ends of the court.
The Lady Lancers saw six players score in double digits. Sophomore Aliya Tripp led the charge with 35 points and 16 rebounds, while fellow sophomore Nikolina Vukcevic recorded a double-double with 30 points and 21 rebounds. Other standout performances included freshman Yaiza Paredes with 16 points, sophomore Josephine Vourliotis with 14, freshman Rhia Saggar with 12, and freshman Kacey Parks with 10 points.
The Lady Lancers’ defensive efforts were equally impressive. Vukcevic and Tripp both recorded double-doubles, while Liljedahl and Paredes each dished out seven assists. Vukcevic also snagged four steals, while Saggar, Tripp, and Paredes each grabbed three steals. Liljedahl, Vukcevic, and Tripp added one block apiece to round out a well-rounded team effort.
The Lady Lancers continued their dominant weekend performance on Saturday, taking on the Nebraska all-stars. EWC built a 26-17 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They ramped up their defensive intensity in the second quarter, outscoring Nebraska 26-7 to take a 52-24 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Lady Lancers maintained their pressure, scoring an additional 51 points and holding Nebraska to 27 points for a final score of 103-51. Once again, EWC’s balanced scoring effort and strong defensive play were on full display.
Freshman Yaiza Paredes led all scorers with 25 points and recorded a double-double with 14 rebounds. Sophomore Aliya Tripp followed with 23 points, while Nikolina Vukcevic scored 14. Sophomore Josephine Vourliotis (10 points) and freshman Ariadna Martinez (11 points, 10 rebounds) also had standout games, with Martinez recording her own double-double.
Playmaking and defensive efforts were led by sophomore Boden Liljedahl, who tallied six assists and three steals. Parks and Paredes also picked up three steals each, while Martinez and Saggar each contributed a block.
