The visiting Clay Center Lady Tigers turned up the pressure and were able to pull away from the Abilene Cowgirls for a 55-37 NCKL victory on Tuesday night.
Abilene like so many times, played well at the beginning of the game, and had a one point 9-8 lead after the first quarter. A Renatta Heintz made three pointer on the opening shot of the game, and three baskets by sophomore Kit Barbieri would account for the Abilene Scoring.
The Lady Tigers would waste no time regaining the lead early in the second quarter as they would score the first seven points to take the lead 15-9. Abilene Freshman Tessa Herrman would account for all of the Cowgirls six points in the quarter, and close the deficit back to two points with 2:18 to go, before Clay Center would score again to extend their lead to 20-15 at halftime.
The Lady Tigers would then take control of the game in the second half. They began by outscoring Abilene 17-7 in the third quarter. Barbieri, Heintz, and Herrman would all score in the quarter for the Cowgirls, however Clay Center would lead 37-22 at the end of the third quarter.
Both teams would have double digit scoring in the fourth quarter. Four different players would score for Abilene in the final quarter from baskets by Barbieri, Heintz, Herrman and Mackenna Stover. The Lady Tigers however would maintain their lead by making baskets and converting free throws.
Four players would score in the game for the Cowgirls including Tessa Herrman with another new career high 15 points, Kit Barbieri with 10 points, Renatta Heintz with nine points, and Mackenna Stover with three points.
Abilene now 0-4 overall, and 0-1 in the NCKL will next travel to Wamego on Friday night.
Scoring Summary:
Clay Center 55,
Abilene 37
Clay Cen. 8 12 17 18 – 55
Abilene 9 6 7 15 – 37
Clay Center – Mi. McGee 3, L. Edwards 19, R. Lipker 1, J. Crimmins 5, A. Johnson 10, R. McDonald 17. Totals: 18 (2) 13-21.
Abilene (0-4) – Makenna Stover 3, Renatta Heintz 9, Tessa Herrman 15, Kit Barbieri 10. Totals: 13 (2) 5-9.
