Montrose girls pull away late to beat Delta

MONTROSE – In an exciting non-league rivalry game, the Montrose girls basketball team beat Delta, 47-40, in the Alpine Bank Black Canyon Classic on Friday.

With the victory, Montrose will head into the winter break with a 5-3 record.

“I think that the game was very energetic,” Montrose senior Taylor Yanosky said. “Great team win.”

The Indians jumped out to a 7-1 lead early but the Panthers scored 16 in a row to lead 17-7 after the first quarter. To start the second quarter, Montrose went on its own run of eight straight and pulled ahead to lead 24-21 with Siera Mihavetz hitting a 3-poiner just before halftime.

The game was tied at 32-32 after three quarters before Montrose outscored the visiting Panthers, 15-8, in the fourth quarter.

“I could not be happier with the win tonight against a quality Delta team,” Montrose coach Steve Skiff said. “I am proud of the way we fought for 32 minutes to get the win. Great performances from Taylor, Ashley (Ortega) and Josie (Coulter). I thought our defense was outstanding tonight and was led by Josie Coulter and Taygan Rocco, who had the tough task of slowing down Erika Kuta, who is a great player. This was a good team win and a huge confidence boost for our team.”

Coulter added, “I’m so proud of the energy the girls brought tonight. So proud.”

Yanosky led Montrose with 15 points, Ortega scored 12 and Coulter had nine. Kuta was the high scorer for Delta (3-1), finishing with 16 points, while sophomore Tatem Miller had 10.

“Montrose played well and their outside shooting was something we need to defend better,” Delta coach Kyle Crowder said. “Our inexperience and youth showed tonight. Erika played well and we need to have more individuals helping her with the load. I’m pleased with our progress and excited about our potential. We will be a different team down the stretch for sure. Once we take better care of the ball and learn to play more physical, the sky is the limit for these young ladies.”