Valerie Hartman was unstoppable Saturday night as the sophomore guard scored 17 points to lead the University of Alaska Fairbanks to a 78-48 victory over visiting Christian Heritage College. The Nanooks improved to 2-0 on the season while Christian Heritage fell to 0-2.
The Nanooks made little work of the Hawks for the second day in a row, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. Christian Heritage led 6-4 with 15:50 remaining in the first period. However, UAF went on a 10-0 run to lead 14-6 on a bucket by Marsha Schirack with 11:35 on the clock and later led 20-10 when Andrea Durny scored on a layup with 8:49 remaining. The Nanooks took a 43-16 advantage into the locker room at the intermission.
Things didn't get any better for the Hawks in the second 20 minutes as the Nanooks continued to dominate. After battling pretty even with Christian Heritage to open the final period, UAF increased its advantage to 30 points at 67-37 on a bucket by Hartman with 7:07 left in the game. The Nanooks' largest lead of the game was 35 points at 72-37 on a layup by Karen Rabung at the 5:39 mark.
Hartman led the Nanook offensive charge Saturday night by hitting six of nine shots from the field, including three of five attempts from long range. Cody Burgess, who stung Christian Heritage for 21 points last night, chipped in with 16 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Rabung scored 14 points and Adrienne Taalak added 13.
As a team, UAF shot 43 percent from the field on 23-of-53 shooting and 38 percent from long range, connecting on eight 21 attempts. UAF also hit 24 of 30 free throws for 80 percent. The Nanooks had 15 assists and 13 steals on the night.
Elisabeth Reynolds led Christian Heritage with 22 points. She was a perfect 9-for-9 from the field. Cindie King had 12 points and Karen Relph chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Hawks shot 51 percent from the field, hitting 18 of 35 attempts, and 66 percent from the charity stripe, nailing 12 of 18 shots. CHC had nine assists, one blocked shot and five steals.
The Nanooks are now off until November 28-29 when they host the Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Invitational. The third annual tournament field will include: Morgan State University, Portland State and the United State Military Academy.
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