Eastern takes sole possession of the TVC-Hocking.
By: Luke Davis
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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB) — The Eastern Eagles traveled north to the Federal Hocking Lancers for a crucial TVC matchup, coming out with a nail-biting 49-47 win. This win propelled Eastern into first place in the TVC-Hocking.
Eastern started the game on a hot streak and never looked back. The Eagles held a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, relying on Sophomore forward Braelyn Simpson, who scored nine of the 16 for Eastern.
At the 5:50 mark in the second quarter, Federal Hocking had their lone bright spot in the first half with Junior guard Brenlee Cottrill scoring her 1,000th career point. At halftime, Eastern lead 25-18 with Freshman Kyrstin Fackler leading all scorers with 14.
At halftime, Coach Cottrill gave his squad a momentum shifting speech that encouraged the Lancers to pick up the pressure and cut the lead to 35-32 going into the final frame.
Early in the fourth quarter, Federal Hocking took their first lead of the night with 6:41 left in the fourth quarter, 36-35. The Eagles did not take kindly to the Lancer surge, with Freshman Emeri Lloyd delivering the final blow, knocking down a clutch three-pointer to put the Eagles up 48-47.
Eastern would pull away 49-47, thanks to a clutch free throw from Junior guard McKenzie Robertson. Eastern was led by Fackler with 20 points; Simpson added 18 points and seven rebounds, and Junior Ashlynn Thomas chipped in a seven-point, seven rebound night.
For Federal Hocking, Cottrill had 17 points and four rebounds. Senior Takira Walker added 10 points and four assists, including a 4/4 night from the charity stripe, and Senior Rorie Tabler rounded out the scoring for the Lancers with nine points.
Tonight’s win marks the seventh of eight away games for Eastern. When Eastern Head Coach Hayden Plummer was asked about the streak, he said, “It prepares you for a tournament run. You’re not going to have your home crowd behind you every game.”
The Eagles will finish their road trip on Jan. 21, traveling to South Gallia. Federal Hocking will host Bishop Watterson on Jan 19 in their next matchup.