Montrose girls basketball back at .500 after win over Eagle Valley

MONTROSE – The Montrose girls basketball team is back at .500.

Montrose hosted Eagle Valley on Saturday, winning 55-26 at home to push its record back to 10-10 on the season with a valuable non-league victory.

“I felt today’s game was a big game for us,” Montrose sophomore Taygan Rocco said. “We have lost a few, but this win is the start to a winning season. I think we all learned how to play together as a team and stick to a winning plan. I’m looking forward to the next few games and making progress.”

Montrose led 13-7 after the first quarter and scored 13 points while holding the visiting Devils (6-10) scoreless for the first six minutes of the second quarter. With a 29-10 halftime lead, Montrose pulled away by outscoring the Devils, 22-8, in the third quarter and went on to win 55-26.

“It was good to get a win over a quality team,” Montrose head coach Steve Skiff said. “I thought we played well on both ends of the floor. It was good to see the ball go in the basket a few times today, which gave us a lot of confidence.”

Montrose senior Josie Coulter had 12 points, Rocco had nine and Heather Power had eight. For the Devils, Josie Fitzsimmons had 12 points. Jasmine Fontana had five.

“I felt today’s game was a solid effort,” Montrose senior Sierra Mihavetz said. “We needed this win and as a whole, we all worked together to execute our plan. I’m excited  to keep collectively progressing.”

Montrose will host Grand Junction Friday. The Devils will be at Glenwood Springs Thursday.