Sports
Lady Bulldogs Snag First Road Win Against Wellston
By: Blake Baker, Tony Heim
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The Athens Lady Bulldogs are streaking in the right direction for the first time all season; after losing 14 of their first 15, the Lady Bulldogs have won their last two games.
Athens (3-14) came alive in the second half to beat the Wellston Lady Golden Rockets 44-34 for the Lady Bulldogs’ first road win of the year.
After going into the half with a three-point lead, Athens came out with a greater intensity on the defensive side of the ball. In a three-minute stretch the Lady Bulldogs forced seven turnovers in nine possessions, helping them to an 8-0 run.
The Lady Bulldogs were led by three players in the scoring department: Sophie Miller, Kat Kreutel and Lauren Abdella all recorded eight points for Athens. Alexis McCollum was the main facilitator for Athens, accruing four assists and swiping three steals from Wellston ball-handlers.
Wellston led 8-4 after the first quarter because of sixth woman Tory Doles. Doles came off the bench with the Lady Rockets down 4-3; two quick possessions ending with a Doles three and a Doles assist to Katelyn Stewart pushed the Lady Rockets up four after the first quarter.
Stewart was an animal on the boards in the first half, totaling seven rebounds including two offensive boards. She finished with eight rebounds and six points.
Turnovers have been an issue for the Lady Bulldogs all season, but the margin was in their favor against Wellston. Athens forced 24 giveaways while only losing the ball 11 times. Most of Wellston’s turnovers were simply dribbling the ball out of bounds because of the Lady Bulldogs’ stifling defense in the second half.
Wellston will look to end their ten-game losing streak on Jan. 23 against Oak Hill. Athens travels to River Valley on Jan. 25 to avenge a loss earlier this season.