Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

WILLOW WOOD — Symmes Valley Lady Vikings’ coach Brandon Walker can hear the Beatles singing that song “It’s Getting Better All The Time,” and he hopes it’s a catchy tune.

The Lady Vikings continued to show improvement despite a tough 58-49 loss to the Portsmouth Notre Dame Lady Titans Thursday in a Southern Ohio Conference game.

“We played with more intensity than we’ve had in my three years of being here,” said Lady Vikings’ coach Brandon Walker.

“It was another game of runs. I’m proud of my kids tonight. They’re hurting right now and upset, but they realize if they keep it up it’s going to turn into wins.”

Kalli Hunt scored 22 points and Elly Fulks had 15 points for the Lady Vikings (1-5, 1-4).

Brooke Pierron had a game-high 25 points for the Lady Titans (3-2, 3-1). Raigen Kayser added 13 points.

Hunt scored 6 points in the first quarter as Symmes Valley took a 12-11 lead.

Fulks had 7 points in the second quarter but so did Pierron as Notre Dame tied the game at the half, 23-23.

Pierron had 7 points and Kayser 6 in the third quarter as Notre Dame managed to take a slim 42-40 lead. Hunt and Fulks each scored 8 points.

But the Lady Vikings were outscored 14-9 in the fourth quarter.

The Lady Vikings play Whiteoak at Wellston Saturday at 1:45 p.m.

Notre Dame 11 12 19 14 = 58

Sym. Valley 12 11 17 9 = 49

PORTSMOUTH NOTRE DAME (3-2, 3-1): Maggie Hoover 1 1 1-2 6, Edwards 0 0 0-3 0, Katie Stevenson 3 0 1-2 7, Brooke Pierron 9 1 4-10 25, Hagen Schaeffer 1 0 3-4 5, Grooms 0 0 0-0 0, Raigen Kayser 6 0 1-2 13, Audri Graf 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 2 10-23 58. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Kayser.

SYMMES VALLEY (1-5, 1-4): Sierra Ross 0 0 1-2 1, Breanna Brumfield 2 0 0-0 4, Elly Fulks 7 0 1-2 15, Kalli Hunt 9 0 4-6 22, Kelsea Massie 0 0 0-0 0, Hannah Maynard 1 0 2-9 4, Autumn Keathley 1 0 1-1 3. Totals: 20 9-20 49. Fouls: 20. Fouled out: Hunt, Brumfield.