By Jeff Budlong, Tribune Sports

Editor

GLENVILLE &045;&160;Jordyn VanRyswyk’s return was the difference maker, but it was senior guard Chelsey Ziebell that knocked down the game winner.

With her team trailing by one with 16 seconds left in the game Ziebell drove the length of the court, cut to the right side and popped just her second field goal of the second half to give the Wolverines the 44-43 victory over Hope Lutheran.

&8220;You would hope your senior would be able to do that,&8221; said Wolverine head coach Lisa Ziebell of the game winner.

&8220;The play was drawn up to dump it into Ashley (Lau) but (Chelsey) was heads up enough to know that she needed to get a shot up right away so in case we didn’t get it we can get the rebound.

&8220;For her to step up and take that shot that’s leadership which is what we have been lacking.

Maybe now that will inspire something and we can get going.&8221;

The Wolverines found themselves in a fight all night long despite playing against a Patriot squad that dressed just six players.

G-E would take a slim 19-16 lead into the locker room before losing that advantage to a suddenly hot shooting Hope Lutheran squad in the second half.

&8220;My hat is off to them because they played with great heart and determination all game long, and to do it with just six girls is quite impressive,&8221; said coach Ziebell.

However, VanRyswyk, who made her return after missing time with a knee problem, had the impact in the paint G-E has been missing in the final half.

She scored 14 of her 20 points after halftime including a couple of big buckets to help give her team the lead late in the game.

&8220;Jordyn is so strong and getting her the ball is so important to us.

It just shows how huge it was not having her,&8221; said coach Ziebell.

&8220;It is great to have her back.&8221;

G-E would take a 41-40 lead with just over two minutes left in the game on a

Lau putback of a missed free throw.

The Patriots would answer with a bucket and the two teams would go into the final minute of play tied at 42-42.

Angie Wenzel gave the Patriots the slim one point lead hitting 1 of 2 at the free throw line.

After both teams committed a turnover, G-E called a timeout to set up the final play.

Chelsey Ziebell had been just 1 of 7 from the field before knocking down the big shot.

&8220;The girls were nervous and not sure if they wanted to step up, but they did it and hopefully that will give them some confidence,&8221; said coach Ziebell.

Lau, who was limited all night long with foul trouble, helped carry the Wolverines in the first half with an early flurry where she scored six straight points.

Lau and VanRyswyk combined for 33 of the team’s 44 points in the game.

The Wolverines are back in action tomorrow when they host Spring Grove.