Panthers hold off Pirates

By LARRY BUGG
Published January 7, 2006

LECANTO - Melissa Foraker scored 13 and Lecanto was only called for four fouls in beating Crystal River 44-37 Friday night.

This was the first matchup between the local rivals this season.

Crystal River (13-3) was called for 11 fouls while Lecanto was assessed one personal in the first half and three in the second. Crystal River never went to the line and shot only 32 percent for the game.

Talesha Hopkins led the Pirates with 12 points. Lacy Lyons, who has signed with Coastal Carolina, had only eight points total.

Both teams were tied at 9 after the first quarter.

Lecanto (11-6) outscored Crystal River 7-6 to take a 16-15 halftime lead. Melissa Fatz had six points in the span.

"We played good defense and their shots weren't falling," Foraker said.

Lecanto outscored Crystal River 13-10 in the third. Angie Acton had five points for the Panthers. Hopkins and Brandy Worlton both scored four points each for the Pirates in the quarter.

Lecanto locked up the win by outscoring Crystal River 15-12 in the fourth and received seven points from Tara Haddock.

"I thought we played pretty good," Lecanto coach Ron Allan said. "We were sluggish in the first half. We did a better job the second half. I thought Angie Acton hit some key baskets for us and made some good stops. All were scrapping for the ball."

[Last modified January 7, 2006, 01:18:53]