Ephrata handles Chelan

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Lady Tigers girls basketball team knocked off the visiting Chelan Lady Goats 49-46 Tuesday in a non-conference basketball match up.

The Lady Goats climbed their way down the Cascade Mountains in search of a win over the Lady Tigers.

Ephrata is coming off of a 1-16 record last season and Chelan was looking for a victory.

The Lady Tigers fought hard and defeated Chelan for their second victory of the 2008-2009 season.

Ephrata head coach Aaron Ross thought his team played exceptionally well in Tuesday night’s win.

“I’m really proud of my kids,” Ross said. “They knew they had a battle on their hands.”

The Lady Tigers and the Lady Goats tipped off the first quarter of action with a run-and-pass style of play. Both teams tried to work their offensive strategies and keep the other team off the scoreboard defensively.

Chelan built an early lead over Ephrata before the Lady Tigers persevered and earned the 15-14 lead. Ephrata then scored four unanswered points to close out the first quarter with a 19-14 lead.

Ephrata tried to run away from Chelan in the second quarter as the Lady Tigers outscored the Lady Goats 8-3 to take a 27-17 lead into halftime.

Chelan was fired up heading into the third quarter as both teams battled hard in the paint and under the boards.

With the help of a few 3-point baskets and an aggressive defense, the Lady Goats were able mount a comeback on the road.

Chelan closed the gap to three points but Ephrata managed to hold on to take a 36-33 lead into the fourth quarter.

With the game on the line and the help of the hometown crowd, the Lady Tigers fought to maintain their lead with the game coming to a close.

Ephrata was able to score some important baskets down the stretch as the Lady Tigers clawed their way to a 49-46 victory in front of the home crowd.

The Lady Tigers return to the court Friday night when they host the Ellensburg Bulldogs.

The opening tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.