DeSales Loss Breaks Win Streak for Dayton Girls

DAYTON - The Dayton Girls' basketball team suffered its first loss of the year Saturday night, at home against Desales, 46-38. The loss ended a 6-0 Lady 'Dogs win streak to open the season. That streak included a Tuesday win at home against Riverview, 34-30, and a 44-27 rout of Tri-Cities Prep in Pasco Friday.

Dayton 34, Riverview 30

The Lady 'Dogs overcame cold shooting to hold on and beat Riverview on Dec. 16. After falling behind 9-6 at the end of the first quarter, Dayton came back to tie it 14 all at the half.

"We didn't execute and shoot well, but to our credit, we played hard," said Dayton coach Clayton Strong. In fact, the Bulldogs shot only 13 of 50 from the floor, but it was enough.

For the game, Madison Mings scored ten points, and Sidney Andrews added nine. Jenna Phillips, Shayla Currin and Josilyn Fullerton each had six rebounds.

Dayton 44, Tri-Cities Prep, 27

Dayton jumped out early against TCP, taking a 29-15 lead into halftime. The Bulldogs outscored the Jaguars 16-7 in the second quarter alone.

"We played a tremendous team defense and held their two top scorers, who had been averaging 40 points a game, to just 10 points," said Strong. "We handled the pressure well and made good shots at the basket."

Mings led the team with nine points, including a three-pointer, and Jenna Phillips followed with eight. Mings also led the team with seven rebounds, and Sarah Phillips and Lexie Ramirez each had six.

DeSales 46, Dayton 38

The Dayton Girls looked like they would cruise to an easy win Saturday night, after they16- 7 lead into the first quarter break. But the Lady Irish defense stiffened, and the Bulldogs were held to just 22 points the rest of the game.

"After the three to four minute mark in the second quarter, we stopped doing the little things that got us the lead," Strong said. "We're all pretty unhappy with the loss, especially with a rivalry game. The only silver lining is not losing by much even when we were not playing our best."

Mings again led her team in scoring, dropping eight points, followed by Andrews with seven. Andrews led Dayton with five rebounds, and Sarah Phillips had five assists.

The Lady 'Dogs were set to host Colfax on Tuesday and play Lind-Ritzville on Jan. 2, also at home.