Sports
Athens Continue Winning Streak Against River Valley
By: Alyssa Lyons, Blake Baker
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The Athens Lady Bulldogs (4-12, 3-6) picked up their third straight win, and fourth win of the season as they defeated the River Valley Lady Raiders (8-10, 4-6) Wednesday night 41-34.
Athens ran a 2-3 match-up defense that shutdown River Valley’s offense early, rarely allowing an opening. Lady Bulldog Alexis McCollum was all over the Lady Raiders offense capturing the team’s high in steals with five. River Valley’s Erin Jackson got minimal chances in the field. When the Lady Bulldogs allowed a chance, she took it. Jackson led the team with 13 points.
The motto for Athens was simply to keep “running the same thing,” said coach Paul McNeal. And, that same “thing” worked. Athens guard Olive Harter was all over the court earning 7 of the team’s 26 points at half.
Despite the offensive brute, it was a game at the free-throw line. The Lady Bulldogs made 15 of their 27 attempts at the line. In the fourth quarter, McCollum was all over the free-throw line.
“Alexis (McCollum) had them in a clutch where we needed them. She’s been the general of our team all season long,” McNeal said.
When the Lady Bulldogs’ efforts failed, it was River Valley’s Tianna Qualls under the basket. She led in rebounds with a high of 7. Qualls contributed to Athens offensive struggle in the third quarter, only allowing the team to score four.
The Athens Lady Bulldogs will take on the Lady Marauders at home in search of continuing their winning streak Thursday Jan. 28. Their last meeting resulted in a loss, 42-33. At the same time, the Lady Raiders hope to change their luck with a win against Point Pleasant.