Hawks control second half in besting Pirates

Times-Reporter staff report

State-ranked Hiland moved a step closer to an Inter-Valley Conference title with a 55-37 victory over visiting Garaway on Saturday night at the Reese Center.

Freshman Kennedy Schlabach set the tone early for the Hawks (16-1, 12-0), as she drained a trio of 3-pointers to start the game and help Hiland take a 16-9 lead after the first quarter.

The Pirates (13-5, 9-3) made a run in the second quarter to draw to within 20-18, but Schlabach hit another triple to stem the Garaway rally and take a 29-22 lead into halftime.

Hiland, ranked No 1. in Division IV, controlled the second half.

Schlabach led all scorers with 17, including 5-of-5 from behind the arc. Megan Beachy added 13 for the winners.

Courtney Werker paced the Pirates with 12 points and five rebounds, while Izzy Meese added eight.