ND girls snap 33-game losing streak
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on January 20, 2010 1:46 PM
CALYPSO -- The first win is always the most difficult to obtain.
Just ask North Duplin.
The previously-winless Rebels pulled off a 39-25 upset of Princeton on Tuesday night and collected the program's premier win with first-year head coach John Oliver. The victory snapped a 33-game losing streak since the final game of the 2008 season.
"I am really proud of my girls because they came out and they stayed focused," said Oliver. "We were able to keep our heads together during the third quarter and then finish strong."
The Rebels built a 13-8 lead at the intermission but watched as the Dawgs trimmed the advantage and eventually took a 22-21 lead in the third quarter.
During the final eight minutes, North Duplin cranked up the defensive intensity. Tearra Ammons recorded four steals in the period and turned the take-aways into six points on the offensive end.
Lea Taylor added five points in the final five minutes to ensure the victory. North Duplin outscored its Carolina 1-A Conference rival 18-3 in quarter.
"I was happy with how our girls battled to come back tonight," said Princeton head coach Marty Gurganus. "I thought we did a good job in the third quarter, but down the stretch we let it get away from us."
The short-handed Dawgs (3-12 overall, 0-3 CC) played without Tylan George, Rebecca Harlan and Nicole Melvin. Each missed the contest due to illness.
Hannah Woodard led Princeton with eight points. Kathryn Wallace added five markers. Princeton will entertain Ayden-Grifton on Friday.
Ammons paced the Rebels (1-13, 1-2) with 22 points and eight steals.
"Tearra is a very good athlete and she does a lot for our offense," said Oliver. "Tonight she used her defensive ability to create some scoring chances and we needed that in the fourth quarter."
Taylor added nine points in the win and Angelica Favela chipped in six points.
North Duplin entertains Lakewood tonight.
"Getting one win is important because it gives the whole team a lift," said Oliver. "Now we know that we can win some games if we play up to our potential."