Vilcinskas leads Lions' offense in season opener
The Mars Hill women's basketball team (0-1) opened up the 2018-19 season with a 74-55 loss to Converse (1-0) on Saturday afternoon.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (0-1) opened up the 2018-19 season with a 74-55 loss to Converse (1-0) on Saturday afternoon.
Converse opened the first period on an 8-2 run over the first four minutes. A three-pointer from Brooke Vilcinskas ended the run momentarily. The Valkyries would respond by scoring 10 of the next 12 points and closing out the first period up 20-11. Abigail Lewis had six points for Converse while Tatum Boggs equalled her output for the Lions. Boggs pulled down a period high four rebounds.
The Lions battled with a balanced offensive attack in the second period with Alexis Pardue and Gabby Gianikos each having three points while Vilcinskas, Fajhenee Bradford and Baylea Loven each had two. Jordan Brooks led all players with six points in the period and helped Converse carry a 35-23 lead into the half.
Converse expanded their lead greatly, outscoring the Lions 19-6 in the third period. Scoring the first 17 points of the period over seven minutes, the Valkyries ballooned their lead up to 52-23 before two made free throws from Pardue put an end to the streak. Lewis had eight of Converse's 19 points and added four rebounds.
Mars Hill outscored Converse by a score of 26-20 in the fourth with Vilcinskas, Gianikos and Mariah Johnson each having six points. Pardue pulled down four rebounds. Lewis and Alexis McMillian each scored six points for the Valkyries.
Lewis led all players with 20 points in the contest, shooting 7-of-11 from the floor and collecting eight rebounds. McMillian added 15 points, going 6-of-8 on the day. Tee Ballard had a game-high nine rebounds and added seven points along with three steals.
Vilcinskas led the Lions with 11 points and four steals. Johnson had 10 points while Boggs, Bradford and Gianikos each had nine points. Johnson and Pardue each had a team-high six rebounds.
Mars Hill returns to action on Wednesday, November 14th when they take on High Point. Tipoff is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start.