By Jeff Meder

Journal Sports Writer

SLEEPY EYE — Springfield won its eighth game in a row as the Tigers downed Sleepy Eye 65-51 on Friday in a Tomahawk Conference girls’ basketball game.

Sydney Hauger led Springfield with 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brooklyn Sturm had 15 points, and four rebounds. Meriah Kirschstein added 11 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Breaunna Mertz led Sleepy Eye with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Brittney Dittbenner had 12 points and Kadence Hesse scored 9 points with four rebounds and five assists.

Midway through the second half, Sturm hit a 3-pointer and Kirschstein stole the ball which resulted in a layup. She hit a 3 on the Tigers’ next possession for a 53-31 lead.

Any time that Sleepy Eye would try to make a run at Springfield, the Tigers were able to answer the threat with key baskets.

Sleepy Eye briefly held the lead in the first half when Mertz scored a basket. Two possessions later, Springfield’s Hauger hit a 3 and then scored, was fouled and hit a free throw to regain the lead for the Tigers. Sleepy Eye tied it once prior to the Springfield run.

Springfield used a full-court press for part of the first half. Kirschstein hit a 3, Maddy Digmann scored and Hauger got an inside basket. The Tigers led 37-20 at halftime.

Springfield (19-3, 12-2) will host Minnesota Valley Lutheran on Tuesday. Sleepy Eye (14-8, 5-11) will host St. James Area on Monday.