TIGERS PASS NON CONFERENCE TEST
HANOVERTON OH- The Springfield Tigers, winners of seven straight, rolled into Hanoverton looking to keep the train moving on a very successful season. The train never stopped at the station as Springfield picked up win their 8th straight win defeating United Local 59-48.
United, back from a 12 day layoff, came out of the gate ready to shake the rust off trading baskets with Springfield who lead at the end of the 1st quarter 15-11. The 2nd quarter proved to be difference in the game when Springfield Junior Jacey Mullen took over. The 5’11 forward put her talents on full display pouring in 15 of her game high 33 points in that quarter leading the Tigers to a 36-25 halftime lead.
United came out of the locker room needing a spark to be able to answer the inside play of Springfield. Taylor Cope for the Eagles attempted to be that spark as she challenged the Tigers inside on her way to posting 20 points on the night. The Eagles played right with the Tigers throughout the 3rd quarter trailing 50-40 heading to the final frame.
Much of the 4th quarter saw both teams pick up the defense as each squad struggled to score from the field. It was the inside play of the Tigers and their ability to be tenacious on the offensive glass that proved to be too much in the end for United. Jameka Brungard and Madison Lesnak were key contributors for the Tigers each contributing 6 points respectively.
Coach Josh Sigler for United knew after the game the key difference between both squads “We need to compete at a higher level outside of the EOAC. We have lost two straight outside of our league facing very good programs, these schools are on our schedule for a reason.” “It is a varsity sport if you do not show up ready to give maximum effort you will lose, the other team is ready to compete, we must match that intensity if we want to be able to take this program to that level.”
Springfield (9-1) (4-0) looks to extend their winning ways Monday as they entertain Western Reserve. United (6-3) (5-0) will travel to Lisbon on Monday.
*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler
