Waterford clinches a share of TVC-Hocking, continuing their six-year TVC streak
By: Max Roberts
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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB) — The 12-7 Federal Hocking Lady Lancers hosted the 12-8 Waterford Wildcats. With a share of the TVC-Hocking trophy on the line, this game was bound to spark some fireworks, and these players came to show. The Lady Wildcats overcame the home court advantage and defeated the Lady Lancers 59-56.
The last time these teams matched up, the Lancers’ defense bested the Wildcats offense, leading to a Federal Hocking 65-36 win. Defense proved to be a factor in this conference rivalry game again, as the Federal Hocking Lady Lancers forced turnover after turnover in the first quarter, paving the way to their 11-9 point lead.
Defense, yet again, trumped all in the second quarter as it looked as if the quarter would end all tied up at 20, but Elsie Malec ended the half with a bang, making a very deep three-pointer before the buzzer sounded, capping off a 13 point first half. As Waterford’s offense would clean up some simple mistakes, they would begin to find their rhythm later in the game.
The start of the third quarter is where things started to heat up. The two teams combined for 31 total points in the quarter, and neither ever having a lead larger than five points. Malec would score five points in the quarter, leading the Waterford squad to keep the lead after three quarters with a score of 38-36.
The fourth quarter is when the fireworks finally took off. The Wildcats would outscore the Lancers 21 to 20 in the quarter, putting a stamp on a three-point victory, and their partial share of the TVC-Hocking title. Fed Hock was led by Takira Walker with 23 points, also grabbing 1,000 points in her career. Elsie Malec would lead both teams with 25 points.
Waterford will look to keep their five-game win streak going versus Marietta on Feb. 14. Federal Hocking will look to get back in the win column against Bishop Hartley, on Feb 14 also.