ELKHART – While no one can doubt the value of a good strategy and game plan, sometimes the game comes down to simply putting the ball in the basket. Plymouth’s Lady Pilgrims found that out the hard way taking a tough 41-34 loss at Elkhart Memorial on Saturday.

Plymouth executed most aspects of the offense well all afternoon except for one thing – finishing with a basket. Missed lay ups, missed open looks, and free throws would be Plymouth’s undoing as they fell to 1-2 in NLC play.

“We struggled putting the ball in the basket today and we didn’t hit a lot of free throws down the stretch,” said Plymouth head coach Dave Duncan. “That’s probably the difference in the game.”

A slow start was not a disastrous one for Plymouth as they fell behind early 6-0, but on a day when points were at a premium, that early run would be a big boost to the Memorial win. Still the Lady Chargers were unable to take advantage of the poor shooting night (31 percent) and the Plymouth defense was able to keep the Lady Pilgrims in the game.

The other big difference in the game came on the boards with Elkhart Memorial holding a 31-22 advantage. Adreana Jones was the big difference for Elkhart with 11 boards and most of her 8 points on offensive rebounding opportunities.

“There were some times and I think even free throw block outs down the stretch where they got a few,” said Duncan. “That really hurt too.”

Plymouth couldn’t help themselves at the free throw line struggling again with 8 of 16 on the day. Memorial was able to take advantage of their opportunities hitting 16 of 25 on the day.

Plymouth’s defense held Memorial to just 31 percent shooting from the field on the day as well but bottom line it was simply the inability to put together a consistent night shooting that ended the Plymouth day.

“The defense was good putting the ball in the basket was the tough thing for us this afternoon,” said Duncan.

Score by Quarters

Plymouth 9 18 26 34

Elk. Mem. 8 15 28 41

Plymouth (34) – Stevens 1 3-4 5, Andrews 0 0-0 0, Fosler 3 1-2 7, Harrell 4 3-4 13, Wright 0 0-1 0, Morwood 0 0-0 0, Stephenson 0 0-0 0, Horvath 4 1-3 9, Totals 12 8-16 34.

Elk. Mem. (41) – Lapcxynski 2 1-4 5, Peete 3 6-8 , Miller 2 3-4 8, Jones 3 2-4 8, Gonzalez 1 0-0 2, Axsom 1 4-5 6. Totals 12 16-25 41.

3 Pt. Fg. – Plymouth 2-10 (Harrell 2), Elk. Mem. 1-8 (Miller).

Rebounds – Plymouth 22 (Horvath 8), Elk. Mem. 31 (Jones 11).

Assists – Plymouth 6 (Harrell, Stevens 2), Elk. Mem. 3 (Jones 2).

Steals – Plymouth 10 ((Wright, Harrell, Fosler 2), Elk. Mem. 7 (Lapczynski 2).

Turnovers – Plymouth 13, Elk. Mem. 14.

Fouls (Fouled Out) – Plymouth 16, Elk. Mem. 17