MANKATO– The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Panthers girls’ basketball team used a solid team effort on offense and outrebounded the Mankato Loyola Crusaders 55-19 as the Panthers defeated the Crusaders 87-15 Friday in Mankato.

“The rebound advantage was the biggest thing that stood out,” NRHEG coach John Schultz said. “All our players scored tonight as we had a good scoring balance. The kids did a great job improving on our game tonight, concentrating on what we need to do to get better.”

The Panthers offense shot 24-of-65 from the field and went 5-of-12 from the three point line.

NRHEG also shot 24-of-37 from the free throw line.

The Panthers defense held the Crusaders to 3-of-26 from the field and 1-of-9 from the three point line.

Mankato Loyola also shot 1-of-7 from the line.

“Our pressure worked early and our defense was very steady during the whole game,” Schultz said.

Carlie Wagner led the Panthers with 16 points on the night.

Kristina Cole recorded 14 points, while Jade Schultz finished with 12 points for NRHEG.

Katie Cole pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds for the Panthers, while Tori Raimann, Anna Schlaak and Raelin Schue all had 10 rebounds a piece.

The Panthers hit the court again on Tuesday as they host Bethlehem Academy.

NRHEG 87, ML 15

NRHEG 46 41 – 87

ML 11 4 – 15

NRHEG Scoring: Carlie Wagner 16 points, Kristina Cole 14, Jade Schultz 12, Anna Schlaak 9, Kayla Lindell 8, Katie Cole 8, Abby Crabtree 7, Tori Raimann 6, Raelin Schue 4, Danielle Krueger 2, Ashley Shutrop 1.