Kewanee had defeated the Panthers early in the year and EP returned the favor during the Warkins Classic. In the rubber match, the Boilers prevailed 36-24 in a unique Wednesday night battle in Erie. The Boilers came in at 12-7 and EP entered at 10-7 for the season.
The contest was a very physical battle throughout as both teams playing an aggressive man-to-man defense. Panther center Eden Jensen got the first bucket of the night as she scored inside, 2 minutes into the game. Unfortunately, the Panthers only tallied one free throw during the balance of the opening 8 minutes and trailed 10-3.
The second quarter was also controlled by the defenses as the Panthers had 5 turnovers. Ashlyn Johnson’s two 3-point shots and a free throw by Aubrey Huisman were all the Panthers could muster and they trailed 21-10 at halftime.
An offensive rebound put back by Kewanee center Damaris Diaz was the first score by either team 2 1/2 minutes into the third quarter. The score was 23-13 Kewanee entering the fourth.
Ayden Klendworth scored her second bucket of the night after an offensive rebound with 6:39 remaining to make it 23-13. Kewanee increased their lead to 27-15 when Panther coach Chris Brown called a timeout and increased the defensive pressure. The Boiler lead was 31-17 when steals by Johnson and Ava Grawe led to 3-point baskets by Lauren Abbott that closed the gap to 31-24 with 1:20 left but that was as close as it got.
Diaz led Kewanee with a game high 15 points while Johnson led EP with 8.
The Panthers are off until they host Hall Thursday the 22nd in Erie.
