Lions fall to Catawba in 2019 home finale

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's basketball team (2-8, 0-4 SAC) fell to Catawba (8-0, 4-0 SAC) by a score of 94-57 in their final home game of the 2019 calendar year.

Trailing 5-2 early in the first quarter, Mars Hill went on a 6-0 run to take an 8-5 lead with under five minutes to play in the stanza.  Pulling within two with 4:03 in the first, Catawba retook the lead momentarily following an Emily Phillips three-pointer.  The Indians finished the quarter on an 8-5 run to lead by six heading into the second.

The Indians' offense exploded for 28 points in the second quarter, hitting four-of-six three-pointers and shooting 60 percent from the floor.  Keyotta Garris led all players with eight points in the frame.  Catawba, over the first 4:03 of the frame, went on a 14-2 run to double up the Lions.

Catawba continued their offensive prowess in the third, outscoring the Lions 21-12, opening the quarter on an 11-0 run.  Sara McIntosh recorded seven points off the bench to pace the Indians' offense.  The Indians went on to build their lead to as many as 38 points in the fourth quarter as they remained unbeaten on the year, winning their eighth game of the campaign by a mark of 94-57.

Phillips led Catawba with 15 points, hitting four-of-seven three-pointers on the day.  Both Anna Gardner and Lyrik Thorne recorded 12 points.

De'Ja Marshall led all players with 17 points and 16 rebounds for the double-double.  Tatum Boggs added 10 points, hitting all six free throw attempts.

The Lions travel to Jefferson City, Tennessee on Wednesday, December 18 to take on Carson-Newman in their final game of the 2019 season.  Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.