No quarter was left unturned as the Mansfield Sr High Lady Tigers went to battle with the Waldron Lady Bulldogs on Tuesday, January 28. With both teams evenly matched in speed and strength, the outcome was going to be determined solely on who could make the final push. The Lady Tigers led 15-14 at the end of the first quarter and the determination carried on into halftime with the Lady Bulldogs only leading by four.
The Lady Tigers knew they would have to really band together and step up their game to compensate for being down a starter. Makayla Strutton had gotten a concussion after taking a fall in the Lincoln game days before so she was out for the game. But even facing this adversity, the Lady Tigers shined under pressure. Although they took a 61-46 loss against the Lady Bulldogs, they pushed through and delivered a top-notch showdown.
Junior Danielle Lillie led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 26 points, five deflections, and three assists. Mikayla Harrison was second in points with eight. Sadie Roberts led the team with five steals along with two points. Brooke Wright and Amber Elmore led the team with four rebounds apiece with Wright also walking away with two blocked shots and Elmore securing one point. Haylee Helms and Sarah Fisher netted three points each. And combining for three points was Chloe Creekmore and Maia Crespo. Head Coach, Joshua Bryan had this to say about the game. “We worked our game plan well but multiple second-chance opportunities by Waldron kept them in the game and eventually overcame the Lady Tigers in the second half.”
Next up, Mansfield will travel to Elkins on Friday, January 31. Tonight is Elkins homecoming so after the Jr High plays, the Sr boys will be next with the Lady Tigers following last around 7:30 p.m.