Fulton County Ohio Media

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cBt6WpbcKtfh1Tif9

When one team defeats another twice in the regular season then meets them again in the playoffs, it is often said, “It’s hard to beat a team that third time.”  The Delta Lady Panthers had swept the season series from the Swanton Lady Bulldogs, winning that second game at home by two points after a fourth quarter rally.  After Swanton beat Northwood in the Sectional Semi-Final game, the Panthers and the Bulldogs would meet again for the title at Otsego High School.  For Delta, they knew that third win would not be easy.  And, to their credit, Swanton made it hard, very hard in fact.  Tied at 24 all entering the final frame, Delta responded by outscoring Swanton 16-7 to capture the Dlll Sectional Championship 40-31.   “We always seem to do well in the fourth quarter against this team.  Just like the last time we played them,” said Delta Head Coach Kelsey Gillen. 

It was a very low scoring game in the early going with Swanton holding a slim 5-4 lead after the first quarter with senior guard Alaina Pelland scoring all of the Bulldog’s points.  However, after being held scoreless in the first, Delta’s leading scorer, Grace Munger, hit two three pointers and had eight points in the quarter as the Panthers took a 17-12 lead at the half. 

The Bulldogs stormed back in the third, going on an 8-0 run to regain the lead at 20-17 and then watched the Panthers rally to go on top 24-21 late in the quarter.  With time winding down, Pelland, who led all players with 17 points, sank a three-point shot from the corner for the 24-24 tie.  Munger stepped up again, scoring five of her team high 16 points and freshman Abbey Todd hit a big shot late from behind the arc to help seal the win.

It was the first opportunity to cut down the net for second-year Coach Gillen.  “We have an incredible group here,” said Gillen.  They are always willing to scrap and they never give up.  They continue to work hard for me and that’s all I can ask.”

For Swanton Coach Eric Oakes and the Lady Bulldogs, their season comes to an end with an overall record of 11-13.  Coach Gillen and the Lady Panthers improve to 11-12 on the season and will now face the 20-3 Liberty Center Lady Tigers in the Dlll District Semi-Finals on Wednesday, 2/22. At 7:30 PM at Lake High School.

Swanton: 5-7-12-7 = 31 Alaina Pelland (17), Miranda Yeager (4), Jessica Finfera (3), Katlyn Floyd (3), Olivia Gowing (2), Peighton Manning (2)

Delta: 4-13-7-16 = 40 Grace Munger (16), Kendall Sprow (8), Khloe Weber (6), Abbey Todd (5), Ashlyn Lamb (3), Kate Friess (2)

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Delta Lady Panthers OHSAA Dlll Girls Basketball Sectional Champions