Lady Bulldogs show fight but fall to Mountain Grove
Photo by Karla Smith Gainesville freshman Macy Hambelton drives around a Mountain Grove player during last Thursday’s game. Hambelton scored 12 points in the contest.
Despite a strong surge in the second quarter and a brief lead in the third, the Gainesville Lady Bulldogs couldn’t hold off Mountain Grove on the road Thursday, Nov. 25, falling 75–58 to the Lady Panthers.
Mountain Grove opened the night with a fast-paced first quarter, taking a 25–15 lead. Gainesville responded with grit in the second, outscoring the Lady Panthers 13–5 behind improved defensive pressure and steady offensive execution. The rally cut the deficit to just two at halftime.
The Lady Bulldogs carried that momentum into the third quarter, where they briefly claimed the lead. But as the period wore on, Mountain Grove capitalized on second-chance opportunities and regained control, stretching the margin the rest of the way.
Senior Addie Alms powered Gainesville’s offense with 24 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Sadie Walker added 15 points and shared the team lead in assists with Macy Hambelton, who scored 12 points and dished out four assists. Mylie Frye contributed 4 points, Emma Donley added 1 point and grabbed six rebounds, and Baylor Hewett chipped in 2 points.
Head coach Nathan Houk said he was encouraged by the early effort.
“We played a great first half,” Houk said. “I felt like we settled in and defended well in the half court during the first half. In the third quarter we took the lead briefly, but failed to rebound consistently as the quarter progressed, allowing them to extend their lead. Overall, a lot of positives, but we need to defend and rebound for 32 minutes. When we are able to consistently do that we will be awfully tough to beat.”
The Lady Bulldogs returned to action Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Cabool and will continue their road stretch with a matchup at Ava on Dec. 9.