After a slow start, the Lady Marauders picked things up and turned away the New Lothrop Hornets Tuesday night, 40-29.  The win puts a two-game cushion between Ovid-Elsie and New Lothrop.  Ovid-Elsie now sits at 11-2 (9-0 MMAC), alone in first place, while New Lothrop falls to 7-4 (6-2 MMAC).

After an 11-5 first-quarter deficit, the Lady Marauders would outscore the Hornets 35-18 in the final three quarters and led by as many as 13 points.

"New Lothrop has been off for a week so they had a chance to really scout us and prepare for us," said Head Coach Ryan Cunningham.  "Once we settled in and made a few adjustments, we started hitting some shots and playing better defensively.  To be honest, it was good to be tested a bit because it showed our resolve."

Ava Bates had a game-high 17 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 steals while Evalyn Cole added 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Braeden Tokar added 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals while Hailee Campbell added 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Ellyanna Carman rounded out the Marauder scoring with 2 points to go along with her 3 rebounds.

"I thought Izzy Loynes did an outstanding job on their point guard defensively tonight," added Cunningham.  "She hurt us last time but Izzy did a phenomenal job and kept her in check tonight."

The Lady Marauders tied New Lothrop on the boards with 23 caroms a piece, but Ovid-Elsie was able to collect 13 steals off of 23 Hornet turnovers.  Ovid-Elsie also handed out 9 assists on 17 made baskets while shooting at a 40% clip.

The Lady Marauders will host powerhouse Portland St. Pat's on Thursday night for a non-conference showdown due to Mt. Morris canceling the remainder of the girls' basketball season.  The JV girls will start at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity tipping off at approximately 7:00 p.m. at Ovid-Elsie High School.