Lady Cats lock down Belpre on senior night
By: Luke Viviano
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WATERFORD, Ohio (WOUB) — The Waterford Lady Cats used defense and transition scoring to secure a 48-27 win over the Belpre Golden Eagles on senior night Friday.
Waterford entered the game 10-8 overall and 6-2 in conference play, while Belpre fell to 5-14 and 2-6.
Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm early, trading defensive stops throughout the opening minutes. Waterford gained momentum late in the first quarter by pushing the pace in transition. Belpre shot 1 of 12 from the field in the quarter and trailed 12-2.
Belpre opened the second quarter with two free throws from Gracie Bills, but Waterford slowed the tempo and executed in their half of the court to extend their lead to 19-4 before a Belpre timeout. A three-pointer by Madison Lauer briefly sparked the Golden Eagles, but continued shooting struggles allowed Waterford to take a 21-7 lead into halftime.
Bills scored seven straight points for Belpre coming out of the break, cutting into the deficit. Waterford answered with a midrange basket from Ava Hurley, shifting momentum back to the Lady Cats. Bynnlee Pottmeyer made her impact in transition, scoring six points in the third quarter. The teams exchanged three-pointers late in the quarter, and Waterford led 37-21 entering the fourth.
The final quarter was physical and disjointed, marked by fouls and turnovers on both sides. Belpre struggled to convert second chance opportunities, while Waterford continued to score primarily in transition. The Golden Eagles finished 3 of 15 from beyond the arc.
Foul trouble became an issue for Belpre late as Waterford reached the double bonus. The Lady Cats capitalized at the free throw line, shooting 9 of 12 for the game. Waterford closed out the contest by emptying the bench and honoring its seniors, finishing with a 48-27 victory.
Bills led all scorers for Belpre with 15 points and added 12 rebounds. Pottmeyer recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals for Waterford. Hurley finished with 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting.
Waterford travels to Federal Hocking on Feb. 9 for a matchup that will determine a share of the Hocking title.
The Lady Cats then close the regular season at home against Marietta and Fort Frye. Belpre looks to rebound Saturday, Feb. 7, against St. Mary’s.