Vina girls struggle to score in road loss

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
FLORENCE - Tuesday's game at Shoals Christian unfolded in a manner that has become all too familiar for Vina coach Jason Cooper.
The Lady Red Devils once again stayed close with an area opponent until their inability to consistently put points on the board caught up with them as Shoals Christian pulled away for a 40-26 win.
Vina trailed by just two points at halftime before the Lady Flame (8-13) opened the third quarter on a 9-2 run to take control.
Cooper said he believed the Lady Red Devils had their chances to win the game.
Vina's shooting woes extended to the foul line, where the Lady Red Devils made just 7-of-19 free throws.
Shoals Christian didn't fare much better at the line, going just 9-for-21, but the Lady Flame got 16 points from Whitney Dalton and 10 from Ann Hamilton.
Noel Byrd teamed with Dalton and Hamilton to help Shoals Christian dominate in the paint, particularly on the offensive glass.
Shoals Christian led 9-6 after one quarter before Kayla Bridges drained a three-pointer for Vina to tie the game.
Dalton immediately answered with a trey of her own, and Shoals Christian led for the remainder of the game.
A basket by Lindsey Turbyfill with 2:00 remaining in the first half left Vina trailing 14-12 at the break.
Dalton opened the second half with a jumper, but Cassie Reeves answered with a putback to make it 16-14.
Shoals Christian then took control with a 7-0 run. Jessica Hartley started the spurt with a free throw, and Dalton's jumper made it 19-14.
Byrd followed with a layup, and Hamilton finished off the run with two free throws.
Turbyfill led the Lady Red Devils with eight points. Bridges added five, and Whitney Clingan had four.
Cooper remained optimistic despite the loss.