ROCHELLE — Senior Night was more than enough to motivate the Lady Hub varsity basketball team to snap it’s seven-game losing streak Wednesday evening, when Rochelle recognized its four senior players before tipping off an Interstate 8 rematch against the Morris Redskins.

Senior Sofia Lenkaitis fittingly led the Lady Hubs with 12 points, spearheading a second-half surge that allowed Rochelle to control the pace and ultimately win 40-29 over Morris, avenging a tough loss to the Redskins earlier this season. The Lady Hubs, who improved to 3-9 overall, dominated on defense once again, holding Morris under 30 points for the second straight time.

“It was very exciting,” Lenkaitis said. “We came out with a lot of intensity because it was Senior Night and we wanted to really play together. I’ve always enjoyed the family aspect of our team and that’s why I enjoy basketball so much I thought our defense made the difference tonight.”

Lenkaitis and senior teammates Alexis Sanford, Elise Hayenga and Afi Gati were all honored during a pregame ceremony Wednesday night. While Rochelle limited Morris to only three first-quarter baskets, Redskin shooters struggled from the free-throw line, finishing 2-for-11 at the charity stripe in the first half. The Lady Hubs also succeeded in shutting down Morris senior Mackenzie Lind, who made just one shot and ended with three points for the Redskins.

“It was a good win and we really wanted revenge against them, especially after a tough loss Tuesday night,” Sanford said. “We were ready to win and it was fantastic that it happened on Senior Night. We played as a team and we’ve really enjoyed playing together. I love my teammates and we’re all really close with each other. We’re always a family during the season.”

Lenkaitis connected on two 3-pointers in the first half, helping Rochelle take a 23-10 lead at halftime. The Lady Hubs pounded the glass all evening long, with Gati grabbing a team-high 10 rebounds and recording double-digit rebounds for the second straight game. Lenkaitis converted three layups in the third quarter, while junior Josie Lundquist took advantage of an offensive rebound to sink a triple from the right elbow for three of her nine points.

Rochelle led 32-23 after three quarters. Looking for one final run to put the Redskins out of reach, the Lady Hubs opened the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run, taking advantage of three Morris turnovers to score a series of layups including two from junior Zoey Tabor, who finished with six points. Rochelle will close out the season at home against Ottawa on Friday at 7 p.m.

Plano

Rochelle faced Plano on the road Tuesday evening, falling 48-39 and dropping to 2-8 overall with the loss. Junior Josie Lundquist led Rochelle with 10 points and six rebounds, while junior Zoey Tabor and senior Afi Gati each scored eight points. Gati nabbed a team-high 11 rebounds.