ST. IGNATIUS – A healthy dose of Loren Erickson and Stephanie Lewandowski was enough for the Mission Lady Bulldogs, who pulled away in the fourth quarter from Bigfork for a 39-25, win Saturday in St. Ignatius.

The Lady Bulldogs brushed off a horrific two-point third quarter and scored 12 in the fourth to secure the 14-point victory. Loren Erickson’s 16 points and 10 rebounds led Mission. Coming off a 33-point performance in their 72-65 loss to Florence, Lewandowski had 14 points and 6 steels as the Lady Bulldogs were in control for most of the game. Mission was in control early scoring 25 points in the first half and took a 12-point lead into the locker room. The third quarter did present problems for Mission as they only managed two points in the quarter. But the Vals couldn’t find the basket either in the third and managed only six points themselves. The Lady Bulldogs got back on track in the fourth and ended the game outscoring the Vals 12-6 in the final quarter. Haley O’Hern had 5 points and 9 rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs in the win.

Tremendous accolades and praise are given to Mission’s Lewandowski and Erickson for carrying the offensive load for the Lady Bulldogs. However, the two’s great offensive production takes away from their stellar play and determination on the defensive end. Both players irritated, harassed and tormented the Bigfork offense all night. The 25 points scored by Bigfork is just one indication of how relentless Missions defense is, their 41.6 points against - second in their district – is yet another. The Lady Bulldogs improved their record to 1-4, 5-8 on the year and will host Arlee Saturday night in a Lake County clash.