East Valley holds off Ephrata

EPHRATA — Friday the 13th was not a lucky day for the Ephrata Lady Tigers girls basketball team as ninth-ranked East Valley held on for the 43-31 Central Washington Athletic Conference victory.

The Lady Tigers fell to 7-9 in CWAC play and 9-9 overall with the loss. The No. 9 Red Devils improved to 13-3 in CWAC play and 15-3 overall.

Both teams got off to a slow start on the scoreboard Friday night. The Red Devils and the Lady Tigers battled on the boards throughout the game and Ephrata’s Malorie Lotz led the Lady Tigers with five rebounds.

Despite a sluggish beginning Friday night, East Valley was able to grab a 16-9 lead.

The Lady Tigers continued to fight back in the second quarter, but the Red Devils were able to push the lead to 27-19 heading into the break.

East Valley stretched their lead to a commanding 37-24 advantage in the third quarter.

However, the Lady Tigers would attempt to battle back in the fourth quarter, but the East Valley lead would prove to great to overcome.

Kelsey Yenney led the Lady Tigers with 12 points and Abby Smith added nine points for Ephrata in the loss.

The Lady Tigers return to the court Tuesday night when they host the Quincy Jacks at 6 p.m.