Washington girls basketball tastes victory

WASHINGTON — The Washington girls’ basketball team’s second win of the season didn’t come without some adversity, but an improving Demon team saw itself rise up off the mat and deliver a 38-25 come-from-behind win against the visiting Ottumwa Bulldogs on Monday night.

Washington overcame an early 9-1 deficit, took the lead in the third quarter and ran away in the fourth to knock off the Bulldogs and snap a nine-game losing streak.

“This year, this group has stuck together,” said Washington head coach Shannon Rugg. “They've battled. All year long its been that way.”

The Demon offense struggled early. Ottumwa held an 11-4 lead after one quarter and a 15-10 advantage at the half, but in the final two periods, Washington’s defense anchored the way. Ottumwa scored just 10 points in the second half.

Fairfield tied the game in the third on a pair of Makenna Conrad free throws, and an Iris Peterson three-point play gave the Demons a 21-18 advantage.

“We came into the game knowing it was a winnable one,” said Conrad. “So even when we got down, we knew that as long as we stayed in our half-court defense and started doing some things on offense, we could pull it off.”

Washington never relinquished the lead. The Demon defense kept dominating, and the offense had plenty enough to help pull away.

“Our half-court defense is what has really kept us in some games,” said Conrad. “That has just came naturally for us since the beginning.”

It was a special win for the Demon girls, who celebrated Senior Night for lone senior Elyse Hunt.

“It was really exciting, especially for Elyse,” Conrad said. It's nice to get one of our wins for her tonight.“

Conrad scored 10 points in the second half and 11 for the game to lead the team. Alex Murphy scored six. Maci Williams and Kaylin Long scored five apiece. Kendall Hinrichsen and Lauren Hinrichsen each scored four. Peterson finished with three, and Hunt had one.

The Washington girls moved to 2-13 with the win. The Demons will put their 1-7 Southeast Conference record on the line at Burlington (0-15, 0-6) on Friday night.