By Deby Jo Ferguson
Sports Writer
Hayesville’s Varsity Lady Jackets fell to the Lady Bulldogs 67-37 on Friday, Dec.17, in Murphy.
The first quarter started out with close play, although the Lady Bulldogs outscored the Jackets 13-9. Both offensive and defensive squads were playing their positions for tight play. Lila Payne scored 5 of the 9 points with Lila Roberts and Mallory Peck adding one 2-point basket each.
Going into the second quarter, Murphy scored 20 points with the Lady Jackets dropping 8 thanks to Payne, Kenna Leatherwood and Breanna Cothren. The Lady Bulldogs held the lead at halftime 33-17.
Third quarter scores were in the Lady Bulldogs favor with Murphy hitting double digits again with 20 additional points and holding the Lady Jackets to just 8. Payne sank two 3-point baskets with Cecilia Jones contributing a 2-pointer. The Lady Jackets trailed 53-25 with one quarter to play.
The final quarter of the game saw the Lady Jackets try to come back by scoring double digits with 12 points. On defense, Hayesville held the Lady Bulldogs to 14. The comeback was good from the bench, but Murphy finished off the Lady Jackets by the 67-47. Sinking in points for the Lady Jackets in the fourth quarter were Payne, with two 3-pointers and 2 from the foul line and Mallory Peck who made four out of six from the charity line for the Lady Jackets.
In his post-game comments, coach Chad McClure said, “Murphy is a very good team. We played well early, but didn’t handle their pressure in the second and third quarters. They out rebounded us almost two to one. If we want to beat good teams, we have to improve in those areas.”