GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — The Lady Defenders are one win away from the OCSAA final four. The Ohio Valley Christian girls defeated Patriot Prep Academy 53-38 last Saturday in Gallia County.

Ohio Valley Christian (11-10) and Patriot Prep battled evenly through the first period and the score was knotted up at 13 going into the second.

The Lady Defenders defense was strong over the next eight minutes allowing only six points to their opponents. OVCS scored 15 in the second and took the 28-19 halftime lead.

Ohio Valley Christian had its best offensive quarter in the third scoring 16 points. Patriot Prep notched 12 points and trailed 44-31 going into the finale.

OVCS finished the game on a 9-7 run and cruised to the 53-38 victory and the birth in the regional finals against Coshocton Christian.

The Lady Defenders’ offense was led by Emily Carman with 22 points, followed by Madison Crank with 15. Samantha Westfall scored eight points, while Beth Martin had four points, and Bekah Sargent had two. Sarah Schoonover and Teah Elliot finished with one point apiece to round out the OVCS scoring.

Phalyn Eastey led Patriot Prep with 15 points.

The Lady Defenders return to action in the regional final against Coshocton Christian Friday at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Activities Building.