Carthage 68, Elmhurst 58
KENOSHA- The Carthage women's basketball team returned to Tarble on Wednesday evening for a midweek CCIW contest against the Elmhurst Bluejays. The Firebirds battled hard for the entire game and utilized a strong fourth quarter to earn the 11th victory of the season. The night also featured a special moment for the team, as senior Marianna Morrissey reached the 1,000 career points milestone in front of the Carthage faithful.



1st Quarter: 

• The Firebirds started the game with a 6-0 run with baskets from Emma Carlson and Malia Green just three minutes into the game. 
• Elmhurst bounced back after a pair of free throws and a layup to lessen their deficit to 6-4. 
• Elena Knebel kick-started a 10-2 run for the Firebirds, which also included baskets from Emma Thistle, Carlson, Morrissey and Green. The Firebirds led 16-6 with four minutes left in the opening period.
• The Bluejays offense found momentum late in the quarter, going on an 11-3 run to cut the deficit to 19-17
• Grace Cord hit a two from deep to extend the lead to 21-17, before a last-second three-pointer cut the lead to 21-20 to end the quarter.

2nd Quarter: 

• The Carthage offense came in strong with a 10-4 run throughout the second period, extending their lead to 31-24.
• The Bluejays went on a 10-4 run of their own, bringing the score even at 35-35 with 1:28 to play in the half. The two sides traded baskets and went to the break tied at 37-37.

3rd Quarter: 

• Morrisey assisted the Firebirds in their lead with back-to-back layups, gaining the advantage with her 1,000th career point. 
• The two teams battled to gain a lead, never extending more than a three-point lead over the other. 
• The Carthage offense battled hard throughout the remainder of the quarter, holding a 55-52 lead heading into the final 10-minute quarter.

4th Quarter: 

• With the Firebirds holding a slim 55-54 lead, Grace Wamser connected on a three-point attempt to extend the Firebirds to a 58-54 lead.
• The Firebirds continued to fight to hold onto the lead, with a pair of free throws and a three-pointer from Morrissey to boost their lead to 63-54. 
• The Firebirds held their lead against the Bluejays, ending the game victorious with a final score of 68-58. 

• Morrissey led the team in points with 17, becoming the 26th player in program history to achieve the 1,000 career points milestone.
• Carlson finished with 12 points and led the team in rebounds with 14.
• Thistle led the team in assists with six.

The Firebirds (11-2, 3-1 CCIW) will defend their home arena against the Millikin Big Blue this Saturday, Jan 11th, at 2 pm. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.