The Ballard women's basketball team earned a 55–43 road win at Gilbert on Tuesday night, using a strong finish to pull away after a back-and-forth middle stretch.

Ballard held a slim 9–8 edge after the opening quarter and extended the lead to 25–17 by halftime behind balanced scoring and steady defensive play.  Gilbert responded in the third quarter, outscoring the Bombers 19–13 to cut the margin to just two heading into the final period.  Ballard answered with its best quarter of the night, holding Gilbert to seven points in the fourth while scoring 17 to seal the win.

Sophomore Maci Harder led the Bombers with 16 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field and adding four rebounds.  Grace Grundmeyer and Kaylor Johnson each scored 10 points, with Johnson also posting a well-rounded night of eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals.

Olivia Wacha provided a spark off the bench, going a perfect 3-of-3 from the field and recording nine points, four steals, and a block.  The Bombers also got contributions across the lineup, finishing with 25 total rebounds, 13 steals, and five blocks as a team.

Ballard shot 42.9 percent from the field and forced 13 Gilbert turnovers, turning defense into timely scoring opportunities down the stretch.

With the win, Ballard improves to 6–13 overall and 5–9 in conference play.  The Bombers return home on Friday, February 6, when they host Carroll at 6:00 PM for Senior Night.

Photo Credit: Davidson Photography