Pressure defense sparks Grace win over Lady Tigers

Freshman Jessica Ross pulls down a rebound for the Lady Tigers in Tuesday's defeat at the hands of Grace, 68-32. Ross scored four points on the night.

Grace showed little mercy to Troup Tuesday night, using a stingy press and consistent free throw shooting to down the Lady Tigers 62-32 at home.

Things started out positively for Troup, with the Lady Tigers jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead. Grace started slow but had pulled to within two, 9-7, at the end of the first quarter.

After tying the game at 11- all early in the second quarter, however, it was all Grace as the team used a deadly press to keep the Lady Tigers scrambling and force several turnovers.

Troup was also plagued by foul trouble, which worked in Grace's favor as their team was accurate at the line.

Despite their physical play, the refs called few fouls on Grace; however, the Lady Tigers failed to take advantage of their trips to the free throw line, hitting just two of 11 attempts.

Leading 25-16 at halftime, Grace exploded in the third quarter for 26 points and finished strong in the fourth, outscoring Troup 17-6.

The Lady Tigers were led by senior Janna Ross with 9 points, although she was held scoreless in the second half.

Freshman Lauren Fite added 6 points, all in the second half.

Other scorers were Stasnia Hunter with 5, Jessica Ross and Pockett Clark with 4 each, and Lauren Worl and Maegan Knuckles with 2 each.

The Lady Tigers are playing in the Gladewater Tournament this week, Dec. 6-8, and then will host Arp on Dec. 11 in the district opener. The JV will play first at 5 p.m.