CARBONDALE -- The Marion High School girls were in action at the 41st Mid-Winter Classic at Carbondale High School Monday evening, losing a hard-fought battle to Massac County that ultimately was decided in the opening quarter.
"We got behind early, 9-0," said Lady Wildcats head coach Marty Manfredo. "We're not a good enough team right now to spot anybody nine points."
Those nine points became important in the final period as the Lady Cats fell 45-37.
"We cut it to five," said Manfredo, " then they go on a 13-point run."
Massac led at the half 28-15, but the Lady Cats came out and put up a huge second half battle.
"We managed to make it a game," said Manfredo.
Marion outscored Massac 22-17 in the second half but just couldn't overcome the first quarter.
"Overall, the kids played really hard," said Manfredo.
Jersey Bittle led the scoring for Marion with 13 while teammate Alexis Hutchcraft added 10.
