Lady Tigers slay Dragons

PITTSBURG, Kan. -- The Nevada Lady Tigers evened their record at 2-2 with a 52-36 victory over the Pittsburg Lady Dragons on Tuesday.

Nevada jumped to a 17-11 first-quarter lead and held that margin for a 26-20 halftime advantage. The Lady Tigers, led by junior guard Hillary Adams 21 points and eight assists, outscored the Lady Dragons 26-16 in the final half.

The Lady Tigers took advantage of their opportunities at the free-throw line with a 16-for-19 (84 percent) performance and helped themselves on the defensive end with 12 steals.

Junior post player Katie Rice recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while adding two assists and three steals to a solid all-round effort. Sophomore Lisa Pendrak scored a season-high nine.

"I'm pleased if we can win by 16 and Lacy Leonard (team's second leading scorer) has only two points," said Nevada coach Brent Bartlett. "That means other girls are stepping up. Katie (Rice) is playing well for us, being very consistent, and it was nice to see Lisa (Pendrak) hit some shots."

Michelle Remmich and Melissa Smith led the Lady Dragons with 10 apiece.

The Lady Tigers open play in the seventh annual Freeman-Lady Eagles Classic at Joplin High School on Thursday at 7 p.m. against defending champion Springdale, Ark.