Sports
Athens Earns Second Win in Commanding Fashion Over Wellston
By: Will Collins
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The Athens Lady Bulldogs notched their second win of the season when the Wellston Lady Golden Rockets visited Athens. The Lady Bulldogs dominated the game, cruising to a 59-41 win.
Athens quickly got out to a 10-0 lead to start the first quarter behind the offensive prowess of Olive Harter and Laura Manderick, who both scored six points in the first quarter alone. The quick scoring as well as tenacious defense helped Athens to a 15-2 run in the first six minutes and a 19-5 lead after the end of the first quarter.
A huge breakaway play from Harter to Lauren Abdella for a quick layup started a fast paced second quarter for the Lady Bulldogs. Not only was Athens’ offense impressive, but its defense was as well. Athens was able to limit Wellston to 10 points in the second quarter. This defensive stand by the Lady Bulldogs was led by sophomore, Kaylee Stewart.
The Lady Bulldogs’ ability to play great defense, force Wellston to turn the ball over, and then turn the Wellston turnovers into quick, easy points doomed Wellston from the start. Kaylee Stewart came through big on the glass, and scored seven points, a solid first half performance for the Lady Bulldogs. Harter led the way in scoring with nine points, Manderick added eight points in the half, and Athens led 36-15.
The second half started off slow with Wellston taking control of the tempo of the game early. The Lady Golden Rockets were able to score the first two buckets of the half and slow down Athens’ quick pace.
Behind the leadership of Harter, the Lady Bulldogs were able to turn the tide of the game back in their favor. Harter came up big with three point buckets, and Athens fed off of the momentum. Wellston didn’t slow Athens down until the end of the fourth quarter, when many of Athens’ starters were done for the night.
Athens dominated all facets of the game tonight both offensively and defensively. Strong defensive play by the Lady Bulldogs forced Wellston to commit 15 turnovers in total, and held them to 41 points on the night. Athens also had three scorers in double digits in the game tonight. Manderick led the way for the Lady Bulldogs with 21 points, Harter scored 12 points, and Kaylee Stewart added 11 points.
The Lady Bulldogs move to 2-13, 1-5 in TVC play, on the season and the Wellston Lady Golden Rockets fall to 3-8, 0-6 in the TVC. Athens will be back in action on Saturday, Jan 14 at Point Pleasant, and resume TVC play on Jan 19 at home against Alexander.