By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

PEDRO — All the Chesapeake Lady Panthers needed was a lead.

Once the Lady Panthers got their lead and they turned it into a 51-30 Ohio Valley Conference win over the Rock Hill Redwomen Thursday.

“We got the ball out and started running early and took it from there,” said Chesapeake coach Chris Ball.

“We played pretty well the first half and once we got the lead we sort of coasted. Give Rock Hill credit. Their girls played hard like always.”

Amanda Rufner scored seven points in the first quarter as Chesapeake took an 18-8 lead. She had six more points in the second quarter as the Lady Panthers built a 31-12 halftime cushion.

Rock Hill cut the deficit to 40-27 after three quarters, but Chesapeake held the Redwomen to three points in the fourth quarter to end any comeback hopes.

Chesapeake (11-4, 5-2) was led by Ruffner with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Sarah Mayo had a strong all-around game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four assists.

Tommi Butler and Brittany Thompson scored eight points each for Rock Hill (5-11, 1-6).

Chesapeake hosts River Valley Thursday on senior night.

“(Thursday) is a special night. We have some seniors who have been very dedicated and successful on and off the court, so we want to celebrate with them and send the off on a good note,” said Ball.

Rock Hill 8 4 15 3 = 30

Chesapeake 18 13 9 11 = 51

ROCK HILL (5-11, 1-6): Chelsea Harper 2 0 0-0 4, Brook Knipp 0 0 2-2 2, Nicole Stamper 1 0 0-0 2, Courtney Duncan 1 0 2-5 4, Tommi Butler 4 0 0-0 8, Brittany Thompson 4 0 0-4 8, Dani Crabtree 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 13 0 4-11 30. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.

CHESAPEAKE (11-4, 5-2): Kristen Webb 2 1 0-2 7, Sarah Mayo 4 2 2-3 16, Amanda Ruffner 8 0 2-5 18, Jackie Nelson 1 0 0-0 2, Sarah Rice 1 0 0-1 2, Maggie Smith 2 0 0-0 4, Jordan Porter 1 0 0-2 2. Totals: 19 3 4-13 51. Fouls: 8. Fouled out: None.

RESERVES: Chesapeake 28-19. Chesapeake leaders: Anna Mayo 7. Rock Hill: Brooke Hanshaw 6.