Basketball fans, Saturday, May 17, was another victorious game day for the St. Louis Surge. The Surge faced the Illinois Shooting Stars at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center, in East St. Louis. New talent was showcased for Surge for the second time this season including new players Amber Dvorak, Leah Kassing, Felisha Loggins, and Rebecca Harris who dominated the court. Veteran talent from players Jaleesa Butler and Bianca Beck also played a huge role in bringing home the W.

Jaleesa Butler scored 20 points, helping the St. Louis Surge notch an 87-54 victory over the Illinois Shooting Stars on Saturday.

The St. Louis Surge scored early, claiming a 38-29 lead at the half. With 31 points in the fourth quarter, St. Louis Surge locked in their lead. With 21 total fouls, St. Louis Surge played a physical game throughout.

Butler led the St. Louis Surge’s offense with 20 points, including 11 during the first period. She also contributed one rebound and two blocks.

Four other players also scored in the double digits for St. Louis Surge. Amber Dvorak racked up 12 points, Felisha Loggins contributed 11 points and Leah Kassing added 10 points. Rebecca Harris hit three three-pointers and scored 13 points total. Also contributing for the St. Louis Surge were Hannah Weedman (8 points, 3 rebounds), Samantha Barber (4 points, 1 steal), Lucille Cramsey (3 points, 2 rebounds), Gabby Green (2 points, 1 rebound), Kayla Person (2 points, 1 rebound) and Bianca Beck (2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block). Dvorak was a big defensive contributor as well, racking up three rebounds and four blocks.

St. Louis Surge finished the game with 42 rebounds (16 offensive/26 defensive), seven blocks and one steal.

After another Surge victory, the team looks forward to facing the Minnesota Black Ice on Saturday, May 24.  The team will travel to the Target Center in Minneapolis this coming Saturday, for a 9 PM tip-off.. This is just the beginning of an exciting season for the St. Louis Surge. Every game is an opportunity for these women to prove themselves as elite athletes and community leaders.

Be sure to experience the evolution of women’s sports with us during the first home game of the season on Saturday, June 21 at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. Tip-off is at 7 PM.