GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Turnovers are always a major factor in winning basketball games, Tonight when Hannan traveled to face the Lady Defenders it was no different. Ohio Valley Christian was able to beat the Lady Cats, 56-40, Tuesday night partly because they were able to force turnovers and hold onto the ball.

OVCS was able to gain the lead in the first quarter by not giving up the ball. The Lady Cats could not match their opponent’s feat in limiting turnovers, and this led to a seven point deficit for Hannan by the end of the first quarter. The Lady Defenders’ forward, Emily Carman, had seven points in the first period.

In the second period the Lady Cats were able to force a few more turnovers than they did in the first. Hannan was able to work the ball into the post for some more scoring opportunities, which led to 10 points in the quarter. Beth Martin led the home squad in the second with a seven point quarter which, along with tough defense, had OVCS up 29-18 at the half.

After halftime the Lady Defenders came out firing on all cylinders including a 9-0 run to end the third period. Junior Madison Crank was the main scorer for OVCS in the third putting up nine points in the quarter. Hannan’s was led by Katie Ellis in the third with six of the team’s eight points. OVCS heads to the final quarter up 47-26.

Hannan outscored OVCS in the fourth 14-9, on the backs of Katie Ellis and Chelsea Medows who had six points each. The Lady Defenders won this one 56-40.

The Hannan Scoring on the evening was led by Katie Ellis with 14, Chelsea Medows with 12, and Pam Black with 7. Also scoring for the was Heather Ellis with three, Valerie Randolph and Tamara Wilson with two each.

Ohio Valley Christian had three players in double figures; Madison Crank with 17, Emily Carman with 12, and Beth Martin with 11. Bekah Sargent scored seven points for the Lady Defenders, while Taeh Elliott had four, Sarah Schoonover had three, and Samantha Westfall had two.

OVCS will return to action Friday in Cleveland against Wood County, while Hannan returns to action against Van Friday.

Ohio Valley Christian 56, Hannan 40

Hannan 8-10-8-14 — 40

OVCS 15-14-18-9 — 56

HANNAN (4-12): Katie Adkins 0 0-0 0, Katie Ellis 7 0-2 14, Pam Black 3 1-2 7, Heather Ellis 1 0-0 3, Valerie Randolph 1 0-0 2, Tamara Wilson 1 0-0 2, Ashley Flora 0 0-0 0, Chelsea Meadows 3 6-7 12. TOTALS: 16 7-11 40. Three-point goals: 1 (Heather Ellis).

OHIO VALLEY CHRISTIAN: Beth Martin 5 0-0 11, Bekah Sargent 3 1-1 7, Madison Crank 8 1-1 17, Sarah Schoonover 1 1-1 3, Kelsey McCoy 0 0-0 0, Teah Elliott 2 0-0 4, Emily Carman 5 0-4 12, Samantha Westfall 1 0-0 2. TOTALS: 25 3-8 56.Three-point goals: 3 (Emily Carman 2, Beth Martin). Rebounds 29. Turnovers 9.