Lady Cougars win Tip-Off Tourney title

Van Wert independent sports

The Van Wert Lady Cougars edged the Crestview Lady Knights 51-49 to win the McDonald’s Tip-Off Tournament title on Saturday for the first time in several years.

Erin Morrow and Cheyenne Handy led the Cougars with 11 points apiece, while Riley Jones added 9 points for Van Wert. The Knights had three players in double figures, led by Terra Crowle’s 12 points. Emily Bauer and Mackenzie Riggenbach added 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Lindsey Motycka had 8 points for Crestview.

It was close all the way, with the Cougars leading 11-9 at the end of a quarter, 22-20 at the half and 39-34 heading into the final stanza. Crestview put a push on in the fourth quarter, but Van Wert hit 5 of 5 free throws down the stretch to eke out a victory over the Knights.

In the consolation game, Ottoville hit enough of its free throws to garner a 54-49 victory over Wayne Trace. The Big Green hit 18 of 32 free throws in the game to beat the Lady Raiders.

Ottoville got off to a slow start, trailing 13-9 in the first quarter and 23-21 at the half. The Lady Raiders looked to be in a good position to win with a 38-32 lead to start the fourth quarter, but the Big Green rallied to outscore Wayne Trace 22-11 in the final stanza to steal the victory.

Lindeman led the Big Green with 19 points, while H. Mangas scored 13 points for Ottoville. Erin Mohr led the Raiders with 16 points, while Brenda Feasby added 11 points for Wayne Trace.