ALBANY, Ohio — Vinton County led wire to wire, as the Lady Vikings ended the Gallia Academy girls basketball team’s season Monday evening with a 53-34 victory, in the first round of the sectional tournament at ‘The Alley’.

The VCHS (13-8) defense came out pressuring the Gallia Academy (4-17) shooters, and did not allow a field goal until over three minutes into the game. The Lady Vikings defense complemented their offense, as they scored 16 in the first period and took a 10-point lead into the second.

The Blue Angels managed a bit more offense in the second period scoring nine points. Caitlyn Owings scored eight of Vinton County’s 13 points in the second quarter to lead the Lady Vikings to a 29-15 halftime lead.

After the break VCHS managed to hit 6-of-10 from the line on its was to a 12 point third quarter. The Blue Angels matched their second period score with another nine point quarter in the third. VCHS led 41-24 headed into the finale.

The fourth quarter was the best for GAHS offensively, as they scored 10 points. The Lady Vikings again had a 12 point quarter and cruised to the victory, 53-34.

Kendra Barnes was the lone Blue Angel in double figures Monday night with 12 points. Mattie Lanham chipped in with five points and Heather Ward, Micha Curfman, and Ciera Jackson all finished with four points for GAHS. Violet Pelfrey and Chelsea Sloan finished with two points and Haley Rosier rounded out the Gallia Academy scoring with one point.

VCHS was led by Caitlyn Owings with 19 points on the evening, followed by Jamee Park with seven, and Megan Dixon with six points.

It was the final basketball game for seniors Ward, Rosier, Jackson, Lanham, Jessica Dotson and Brittany Lloyd in the Blue and White.

Vinton County 53, Gallia Academy 34

GA 6-9-9-10 — 34

VC 16-13-12-12 — 53

GALLIA ACADEMY (4-17): Heather Ward 2 0-0 4, Micha Curfman 2 0-0 4, Haley Rosier 0 1-3 1, Ciara Jackson 2 0-2 4, Halley Barnes 0 0-0 0, Mattie Lanham 2 1-2 5, Kendra Barnes 3 6-6 12, Megan Cochran 0 0-0 0, Violet Pelfrey 1 0-0 2, Chelsea Sloan 1 0-0 2. TOTALS: 13 8-13 34. Three-point goals: none. Turnovers: 13.

VINTON COUNTY (13-8): Alexander Hale 2 1-2 5, Caitlyn Owings 7 5-8 19, Maranda Hale 1 2-2 4, Keshia Griffith 1 1-2 3, Emily Zinn 1 2-4 4, Jamee Park 2 2-4 7, Regenia Schrader 0 0-0 0, Josie Ward 0 0-2 0, Megan Dixon 2 0-0 6, Alexandra Speakman 0 0-0 0, Kelsey Griffith 1 0-0 2, Johnna Remy 1 1-2 3. TOTALS: 18 14-26 53. Three-point goals: 3 (Dixon 2, Park). Turnovers: 15.