Elk Grove bounces back

With all-time leading scorer Ashley Capotosto sidelined because of illness, sophomore guard Dani Goranson was given her first career start by Elk Grove coach Ryan Kirkorsky.

"We said before the game to have a chance, we would need Dani in double figures," the coach said.

Goranson, a standout softball hurler in the spring, pitched in brilliantly Wednesday night at Lake Forest.

She poured home a career-high 20 points with a personal high four 3-pointers to help lift the Grens to a 44-41 nonconference triumph over the host Scouts.

"Dani was huge for us," Kirkorsky said "She played confidently and was ready to shoot from the opening tip."

Goranson also had 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

The Grenadiers (8-1) rebounded from their first loss of the season (47-38) one night earlier at Hersey.

"We could have gone and folded knowing Ashley was not going to be here but we had a lot of girls step up," Kirkorsky said.

Senior Courtney Lindfors added 15 points and 13 rebounds while classmate Meaghan Amann added 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

"The biggest thing, just like it was against Hersey, is that we needed to get tough on the boards at both ends of the court," Kirkorsky added. "Obviously Meaghan and Courtney made an effort to attack the boards."

St. Viator 48, Nazareth Academy 34: Playing in only her third game since coming back from a shoulder injury, St. Viator senior forward Mary Calov scored a team-high 14 points, including three straight 3-pointers for a 9-0 run in the second quarter.

"Mary shot the ball well," said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness, who watched his visiting Lions improve to 6-2 and 2-0 in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. "Her three 3-pointers in the second quarter helped tremendously."

Bjerkness felt his girls played the game with a lot of heart following a tough 46-42 loss at home to Prospect the night before.

"I think we are playing well and we did a good job rebounding this game," Bjerkness said.

Ronnie Mack added 8 points for Viator, which held the Roadrunners to 17 points in each half.

"These girls can defend real well," Bjerkness said. "Our defense was really stingy. And we made our free throws down the stretch, which really helped."