Pinckneyville outscored Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher 18-6 in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 57-33 victory Monday night in the season opener for the Lady Panthers.
“We put ourselves into some serious trouble in the first quarter, fouling 12 times and giving up eight points at the line during the quarter,” said Pinckneyville coach Alan Engelhardt. “I thought our bench stepped up nicely, giving us some good minutes and helping to build the lead as many of our starters had to sit.”
Pinckneyville led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter and 27-17 at the break. The Lady Panthers put the game out of reach in the second half by outscoring ZRC 30-16.
“Taylor Cicardi bounced back and had a great second half, finishing the game with 21 points and 12 rebounds,” added Engelhardt. “Katrina Henson (10 points) played a very solid game at the point for us and really helped us run some set plays in the second half. Mo Ramsey also helped on the glass, chipping in with nine rebounds to go with her 7 points.”
With the win, Pinckneyville improved to1-0 on the season and in the Hamilton County round robin tournament.