NEW ULM — The Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers faced challenges during their nonconference matchup against the Waseca Bluejays on Saturday, ultimately losing the game 94-59. The Chargers were hindered by a staggering 25 turnovers, which significantly impacted their ability to execute their game plan.
Owen Birkholz stepped up for the Chargers, scoring 12 points, while Pierson Brau and Ethan Schauland each contributed 10 points. Luke Merseth added 9 points to the team’s total. On the other hand, Waseca’s Deron Russell excelled with a game-high 31 points, supported by Carson Ohnstad with 27 points and Damarius Russell with 14 points.
From the onset, Waseca capitalized on the Chargers’ turnovers to establish an early lead, quickly jumping ahead 12-2 after a 10-0 run. Following a brief moment of control with a 2-0 lead, MVL struggled to maintain their composure and rhythm on the court. Coach Craig Morgan was forced to use several timeouts to address the escalating turnover issue, desperately trying to halt Waseca’s momentum.
Despite the Chargers’ efforts, Waseca managed to extend their lead to 17-2. Although a putback by Merseth temporarily halted Waseca’s scoring spree, the Bluejays continued to dominate, pushing their lead to 57-33 by halftime.
Morgan acknowledged the need for his team to strengthen their teamwork and improve decision-making on the court. “We’re rebuilding not only players but also the team chemistry and the team philosophy of moving the ball and looking for a shot,” he commented.
The second half saw Waseca maintain their stronghold, amplifying their lead to as much as 42 points during a dominant stretch. With a current record of 0-3, the Chargers face a tough road ahead, having faced formidable opponents in their recent games.
Looking forward, Coach Morgan recognizes the steep learning curve that comes with transitioning from junior varsity to varsity play. He emphasized the importance of executing cleaner passes and stronger defensive strategies as the season progresses.
Next up, the Chargers will travel to face Martin County West on Tuesday night, followed by a home game against New Ulm Cathedral at Storm Fieldhouse on Friday evening. Despite the recent setbacks, there is an opportunity for growth and improvement as the team gathers experience throughout the season. With continued effort and dedication, the Chargers are poised to evolve and find success in upcoming matches.