The Loyd Star Lady Hornets (9-9) moved their record back to .500 by defeating the West Marion Lady Trojans 70-53 on Tuesday night in the Hornet’s Nest.

The game started with both teams trading leads early in the first quarter. The Lady Hornets would grab the lead with their offense, but in the second half Loyd Star relaxed which allowed the Lady Trojans to climb back into the game.

“We relaxed a little bit which allowed West Marion to catch up,” Lady Hornets senior Sarah Britt said. “We had to put in even more effort once they caught up, but we were on our game.”

After getting off to a slow start both teams would trade baskets, not allowing either team to gain separation.

With just a little over three minutes left in the first quarter, the Lady Trojans would take the lead on a basket by Shana Jefferson.

Jefferson would soon try to gain separation hitting another basket.

A Britt basket pulled the Lady Hornets within 7-6 and a score by junior Taylor Smith would put Loyd Star back on top.

Loyd Star coach Christi Terrell’s Lady Hornets would start to pick up momentum, leading 18-9 heading into the second quarter.

Jefferson would hit a layup, early in the second, in an attempt to cut into the Lady Hornets lead.

The Lady Hornets would go on an eight-point run before the Lady Trojans could get another basket.

The Lady Hornets led 36-19 at halftime.

The Lady Trojans would outshoot the Lady Hornets in the third quarter, 23-18, as they started to climb back into the game.

The Lady Hornets took a 54-37 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Trojans would go on a 12-point run as they continued to fight back in the game, before the Lady Hornets would score a basket by Smith.

Loyd Star was able to sustain enough offense and defense to keep the Lady Trojans from pulling a comeback.

“Offensively I thought the girls played well,” Terrell said. “We missed a lot of easy shots. Defensively we moved, and we pressed well. I’m proud of the girls for getting the win.”

The Lady Hornets had three players hit double digits. Britt led the Lady Hornets with 18 points. Aubrey Britt netted 17 points and Smith hit 12 points. Marleigh Bullock scored eight points and Christie Patterson made seven points. Carly Beth Wallace hit six points and TaMaria Townsend finished the scoring for the Lady Hornets with two points.

Loyd Star visits the region-leading West Lincoln Lady Bears Friday.

Story by Dave Linton