Olstad Grabs 1,000th Rebound As Comets Carry Momentum into Playoffs
The Hillcrest Comets are confidently storming into the postseason, carrying the momentum of their record-setting season into a decisive 65-47 playoff victory over Park Christian. The Comets, known for their relentless defense and disciplined play, found themselves in an early hole but quickly turned up the pressure to overwhelm the Falcons and secure the win.
The Comets started the game facing an aggressive Park Christian squad that came out firing. By halftime, Hillcrest had clawed back to take a 32-24 lead, setting the stage for a dominant second half. Hillcrest tightened their rotations and smothered Park Christian’s offense, allowing just 23 second-half points while pouring in 33 of their own.
Head coach Hannah Clark praised her team’s defensive performance, calling it one of their best of the season. “Our ball pressure, help-side defense, and rotations made it tough for Park Christian to get clean looks at the basket,” Clark said. “We knew we had to play well to compete, and the girls really stepped up.”
Elsa Retzlaff was nearly unstoppable, dropping 30 points, grabbing six rebounds, and swiping eight steals. Her sister, Elin Retzlaff, added 20 points and seven rebounds, as the duo led the offensive charge.
Clark credited the team for moving the ball well and capitalizing on their opportunities. “Elsa and Elin both had big games, and I thought the team did a great job getting them the ball in the right spots,” she said.
Ruby Peterson contributed 10 points, while Ella Knutson, back in the lineup, made her presence felt with six rebounds, three steals, and three assists. “Having Ella back has been great,” Clark noted. “She is so steady for us and does so many things on both ends of the floor that make our team better.”
A special moment came as senior forward Kate Olstad pulled down her 1,000th career rebound. Olstad, known for her tenacity and work ethic, finished the game with four points, four rebounds, and three steals. “This milestone is a testament to how hard she works,” Clark said. “We couldn’t be more proud of her.”
With this win, the Comets continue their push deeper into the playoffs, fueled by experience, chemistry, and elite defensive play. As they prepare for their next challenge, Hillcrest will look to build upon this dominant performance, knowing that their ability to lock in defensively and execute offensively makes them a formidable postseason contender.