By Graham Sturgeon, staff writer
The Durand girls basketball team beat Goodrich 35-24 Friday, Jan. 8, to end their five-year losing streak to the Martians. The win improved the Railroaders’ season record to 6-2, 5-0 in the Genesee Area Conference which puts them in the driver’s seat for the conference title.
While the win was big for Durand, it also ended Goodrich’s winning streak against GAC opponents, which dated back to a 2009 loss to Durand.
The Railroaders persevered for the win despite trailing 16-6 at halftime. Durand Athletic Director Chris Deines credited senior guard Cassie Podulka with leading the charge on defense in the second half. Her pressure was a main reason the Goodrich backcourt struggled to initiate the offense as the game wore on.
The win also comes in Coach Jeff Long’s first year back at the helm of the team. He was the coach of the 2009 team that beat Goodrich as well.
The senior-laden team was excited to beat their rival and the players are hopeful they can carry the momentum through the season.
The Railroaders look to improve their record on Tuesday against Corunna, a team they beat handily earlier in the season.
