Southeastern started the second quarter on a 16-6 run to tie the game, but Huntington responded to take a 22-18 lead at the half. A key play late in the first half was what seemed like a meaningless foul by Southeastern’s Catherine Dresbach. The reason her second personal ended up being so important is because the senior picked up a quick third early in the third period and was forced to the bench for a lengthy amount of time.
Huntington took advantage opening up a 32-22 advantage. By the fourth quarter, the Lady Panthers were in jeopardy of seeing it slip away, but another Dresbach – Merrilee – took the game over down low. The 5-9 sophomore scored all 12 of her points in the final frame including a bucket that gave Southeastern a late lead at 40-39 with just under three minutes to play. Following a timeout, Huntington responded by scoring four of the game’s next five points to lead 43-41 with under a minute to play. This is when Catherine Dresbach fouled out of the game.
Huntington freshman Jackie Kellough delivered two late free throws and Huntington was able to record a few key defensive stops as the Lady Huntsmen held on for the two-point win.
In the loss, Sophie McCorkle shared team-high scoring honors with Merrilee with 12 points. Catherine, who struggled through a second half of foul trouble, was held to nine points.
For Huntington in the win, Madison Vickers scored a game-high 23 points. Paige Danner added 10 points.
