Basketball is a game of imperfection. No matter how strong of an effort a team may put up, coaches can always find something to detail, to nitpick, to improve upon.
Chargers women's basketball coach Todd Mitmesser might be challenged to find such flaws in much of Wednesday night's regional game at St. Joseph's College in Indiana.
The Chargers put together a terrific two-way effort, especially in the first three quarters of a 75-57 win over the Pumas, improving to 3-0 on the season.
Defensively, Hillsdale was at its harassing best, yielding just 15 first-half points, forcing St. Joseph's into 7-for-26 shooting from the field. Offensively, the Chargers went to their go-to post player to get them started, and then spread the ball around to the rest of the roster for a balanced, effective performance.
Hillsdale's offensive efficiency was shown in 20 assists off 27 made field goals.
Junior center Allie Dittmer scored 8 of her 14 points in the first quarter, getting the Chargers off to a good start. Hillsdale outscored St. Joseph's 16-6 in the first quarter and 16-9 in the second quarter, taking a 34-15 lead at intermission.
The lead grew in the third quarter, as Hillsdale went 9-for-18 from the field and expanded its lead to 24 before cruising to victory.
The Chargers shot 53 percent (8-for-15) from 3-point territory, while holding the Pumas to 4-for-17 shooting in the same category.
Dittmer and sophomore guard Allie Dewire each scored 14 points to lead the Charger offense. Sophomore forward Makenna Ott drained three 3-point buckets, scoring 12, while junior Maddy Reed cmae off the bench to add 10 points to the attack. Dittmer led the team with 9 rebounds, and sophomore Michele Boykin dished out 6 assists off the bench.
UP NEXT: Hillsdale plays at Wisconsin-Parkside Saturday afternoon.
PHOTO CREDIT: Carly Gouge