The Switzerland County Lady Pacers closed their regular season last Thursday night with a varsity-only contest with Madison Shawe.
The Lady Hilltoppers, playing with just six players, were never in the game as the Lady Pacers roared out to an early lead before winning by a score of 68-40.
Switzerland County jumped out to a 14-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the undermanned Lady Hilltoppers fought back in the second quarter, being outscored just 12-8, to see the first half end with Switzerland County on top by a score of 26-13.
Making things more difficult for Madison Shawe was that reserve Megan Goebel went down with an injury just before halftime and did not return – meaning the Lady Hilltoppers were down to just five players.
The third quarter saw Switzerland County continue to pull away, winning the quarter by a 19-12 count as seniors Becca Sittloh, Kristen Perry and Trisha Smith led the team in their final home game.
Leading by 20 points, 45-25, heading into the final period, Switzerland County went on an offensive tear over the final eight minutes, scoring 23 points.
Madison Shawe managed 15 points in the last quarter, but suffered a more critical fate as the game closed.
With just eight seconds remaining, Hana Roberts, Madison Shawe’s leading scorer, went down with an ankle injury – causing the Lady Hilltoppers to play the final seconds of the contest with just four players.
With other injuries to Madison Shawe, it is unclear if the Lady Hilltoppers will be able to participate in this week’s Sectional tourney.
Switzerland County, however, is participating in the Sectional tournament, and entered their opening round game this past Tuesday against North Decatur riding high after the big win over Madison Shawe.
The final score of Thursday night’s game, 68-40 in favor of the Lady Pacers.
Becca Sittloh led Switzerland County in scoring, recording 15 points – including three three-pointers, and she also had five assists and two steals.
Kristen Perry helped fuel the victory for Switzerland County, finishing with 14 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals on the night.
Trisha Smith had 12 points and a game-high 18 rebounds; while Emily White, Bre Hinman, and Allie Mathews all added four points. Shelby O’Neal contributed two points.
Switzerland County shot a blistering 52.9-percent from the floor (18-for-34) in the second half to seal the win, and also forced Madison Shawe into 17 turnovers that resulted in 14 Lady Pacer points.
Hana Roberts led the Lady Hilltoppers with 21 points in the game; and Chloe Storm had 11.