The Lady Eagles lost a close back-and-forth game 53-49 at Penn Valley in their season opener on Wednesday.
Tyrone junior Laney Woomer was not happy with the final score but was satisfied with the team’s overall performance.
“I think we played to the best of our ability and put everything out there as best as we could. We just need to improve on finishing the close games and bringing home a win on the road,” Woomer said.
According to Tyrone Head Coach Mike Whitling, the Lady Eagles’ plan was to apply defensive pressure and create turnovers. Tyrone was successful in that respect, forcing 20 turnovers in the game.
The Rams took the lead 14-11 at the end of the first quarter and extended their lead to 26-21 by halftime.
The Lady Eagles were determined to come out after halftime and take the lead as it was only a five-point difference.
Penns Valley built a double-digit lead in the third quarter but Tyrone closed it with a couple of threes from sophomore Brielle Parker and junior Laney Woomer, along with some tough defense from junior Claire Lehman.
The Lady Eagles battled back to take a three-point lead at the end of the third quarter.
However, in the fourth quarter, Penns Valley regained the lead as Tyrone’s chances were cut short because of foul trouble. Both Laney Woomer and Brielle Parker fouled out in the mid-fourth quarter.
Despite the loss, Head Coach Michael Whitling thought the girls executed their game plan well and very well could have won the game had two of their hottest shooters not fouled out.
“I thought we did a good job putting pressure on their offense and creating turnovers and we ended up winning the turnover battle,” Whitling said.
Woomer was Tyrone’s leading scorer with 19 points, followed by Parker with 14. The lead rebounder was Lehman with two offensive and six defensive rebounds.
While they didn’t have the outcome they wanted, they will have another chance against Penns Valley at home on January 27.
The Lady Eagles are back on the road to face Bishop Carroll today. JV tips off at 6 pm with varsity at 7:30 pm in Ebensburg.
BOX SCORE
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Tyrone 11 10 18 10 — 49
Penns Valley 14 12. 10. 17 — 53
