GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lady Panthers slip past Vandalia

The Lady Panthers held off Vandalia for a 40-38 win in Pinckneyville on Saturday, snapping a two-game losing streak.

"I thought this was very much a team win today with everyone contributing something," said PCHS head coach Alan Engelhardt. "We were very solid most of the game, struggling with the zone a little in the second quarter, but really moving the ball on offense and preventing the dribble drive on defense."

"This was a very good win against a very good team. We need to keep building off our past couple of games and continue to improve heading into the postseason."

Pinckneyville led by five after one quarter, but the Lady Vandals outscored them 14-5 in the second to lead 23-19 at halftime. It was knotted up at 31-31 after three periods.

Raygan Yates scored 15 points to lead the Lady Panthers, Sophie Keith and Mayci Doerflein each chipped in 8, Kiya Hagene 5, and Taylor Smith and Caitlyn Anderson each scored 2.

"Raygan Yates was again the focal point on offense, hitting five threes, before Vandalia went into a box and one on her. Sophie Keith added another 8 points and 13 rebounds and Mayci Doerflein added 8 as well, along with playing very good defense on Hosick (a very good offensive player). Kiya Hagene came in and really gave us a lift at the end of the game as well when we were looking for offense, hitting a big three and knocking down a couple of free-throws very late in the game."

Pinckneyville (13-8) travels to Sparta on Tuesday night.