Sports

Zastrow posts career night

For the second straight game, UW freshman Lin Zastrow set career marks in scoring, while also establishing herself as a surprising and quiet threat in the post.

Coming off a career night against the Big Ten leading Ohio State in which she tallied 15 points off the bench, Zastrow posted one better Thursday night against the visiting Lady Lions of Penn State, setting a new career high with 16 points. Although the freshman shot just 6-15 from the field, her scoring helped the Badgers break out of a slump with the blowout win.

In the opening minutes, and with the game as close as it would get, senior Jolene Anderson grabbed a defensive rebound and fed Zastrow up the court, splitting a pair of defenders with the precision pass. The catch, the shot and the 3-point play initiated what would become a night to remember for the freshman.

Grabbing six rebounds and a notching block, Zastrow was more than an offensive threat for the Badgers.

The added boost from Zastrow and other bench players had head coach Lisa Stone ecstatic after the team’s second win in conference play.

“I thought Lin Zastrow was outstanding,” Stone said. “Coming in, when Danielle was in foul trouble, [Zastrow] was able to help keep the team on pace and disallow a run.”

Senior Danielle Ward played limited minutes with foul trouble throughout the game and was unable to score in the post against a tougher Lady Lion, Janessa Wolff. Ward finished with just two points and two rebounds in 10 minutes.

Flashing an array of post moves, Zastrow maneuvered eight points in the paint, including an offensive rebound and put back.

At 6-foot-4-inches, Zastrow missed her only attempt at from beyond the arc. Fearless of the jump shot, however, she was able to sink two shots just inside the 3-point line.

It was the boost from the Ohio State game that gave Zastrow the confidence she’s played with lately.

“I felt more comfortable this game just because of the Ohio State game,” Zastrow said. “I felt like what I can do against them means that maybe I’m not as bad as I think I am.”

With confidence becoming a trend for the young star, Zastrow has higher hopes for the remainder of the season. And with a few quick baskets to start the last few matchups, it’s getting easier for the forward to feel good about her play.

“It always helps [gaining confidence] when you hit your first shot because it gives you some confidence,” Zastrow said. “I remember against Ohio State, when I had that first move for the basket, I realized, wow, I can like play with these guys.”

After two dominating performances, Zastrow and the Badgers have momentum at last, defeating an above-average Penn State team.

Besides Zastrow’s output, the balanced scoring attack of the entire Badger lineup gave Wisconsin an impressive margin of victory Thursday, something coach Lisa Stone and her staff would like to see continue into what has been a disappointing season.