By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

CHILLICOTHE — The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers decided to turn the defense up a notch.

Ironton’s defense held Chillicothe to single digit scoring in every quarter as the Lady Tigers romped past the Lady Cavaliers 62-22 Thursday.

“We did a good job defensively. We were able to turn them over and get a lead,” said Ironton coach Doug Graham.

“The girls all got to play an extended amount of time and hopefully that will carry over to the next game.”

While the defense was doing its job, senior forward Nikki Elswick had another stellar game with 25 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Arden Sparks had a big game with 11 points and eight rebounds. Alex Taylor added six assists and four steals. Kaylyn Adkins had four rebounds and Karlee McMackin three assists and three rebounds.

Ironton bolted to a 17-5 lead in the first quarter as Elswick got 15 of her points.

The lead ballooned to 32-13 at the half as Elswick and Sparks combined for 10 points in the second quarter.

Ariel Schweickart and Sparks scored five points each and Elswick four as the Lady Tigers opened up a 48-18 cushion after three quarters.

Alyssa Oates led Chillicothe (0-3) with 10 points.

Ironton (2-1) hosts Ashland, Ky., Monday.

Ironton 17 15 16 14 = 62

Chillicothe 5 8 5 2 = 22

IRONTON (2-1): Tori Klaiber 2 0 0-0 4, Katlyn Adkins 0 0 0-2 0, Alex Taylor 1 0 1-2 3, Nikki Elswick 8 2 3-5 25, Ariel Schweickart 2 0 1-2 5, Arden Sparks 4 0 3-5 11, Emily Davis 3 0 1-2 7, Karlee McMackin 1 0 1-2 3, Alisha Murphy 2 0 0-0 4. Totals: 24-48 10-20 62. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None. 3-point goals: 2-7. Rebounds: 29 (Sparks 8, Elswick 7, Adkins 4). Assists: 12 (Taylor 6, McMackin 3). Steals: 13 (Taylor 4, Elswick 4). Turnovers: 16.

CHILLICOTHE (0-3): Kaylee Wright 1 1 0-2 5, Lauren Lane 0 1 0-0 3, Alyssa Oates 4 0 2-3 10, Mindy Williams 2 0 0-1 4, Sheyanne Helton 0 0 0-0 0, Kayla Keener 0 0 0-0 0, Natalie Howie 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 8 2 2-6 22. Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None.