Twin sophomore sisters Cati and Frani LeVan combined for 13 of Triad’s 15 fourth-quarter points on Wednesday, allowing the Lady Cards to pull away from a 30-30 tie and secure a 45-38 win over visiting Graham.
Triad led 14-9 after the first period and the game was knotted at 21 by halftime.
The contest was tied at 30 going into the final eight minutes of action.
“This was a real gritty win,” said Triad coach Jeff Merklin. “We were playing our third game in five days with a limited roster and Graham created matchup problems for us.
“It was really fun to watch Cati and Frani take control of that fourth quarter,” he said. “They really willed us to the win.”
Frani LeVan led Triad with 16 points, while her sister tallied 15 markers.
Senior post Makenzie Cauley continued her recent strong play. She just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
With the non-league win, Triad improved to 6-6 on the season.
The most difficult part of the schedule continues tonight with a home Ohio Heritage Conference game against Madison Plains.
“It’s going to be very difficult for the girls,” said Merklin. “Four games in six days is difficult in the best of circumstances, but this group will be ready to go and give it their best,” he said.
Triad
F. LeVan 5-4-16, C. LeVan 6-0-15, Cauley 5-2-12, Bailey 0-2-2. Totals 16-8-45.
Three-point goals: C. LeVan 3, F. LeVan 2.
Graham
Nash 6-2-18, King 3-2-10, Cupps 3-0-7, Whaley 1-0-2, Henkle 0-1-1. Totals 13-5-38.
Three-point goals: Nash 4, King 2, Cupps 1.