Pursell leads Lady Panthers to Senior Night win over Cabool

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Led by senior Mary Pursell on Senior Night, the Mountain Grove Lady Panthers earned a 50-47 conference victory over Cabool Thursday night.

“It was a game we led from the get-go,” said Mountain Grove head coach Courtney Davault. “We only have one senior and it was Senior Night, and she came out and played big for us, especially in that first half. She got us the lead we needed to hold.”

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Pursell put up 17 points in the first half, helping the Lady Panthers to an eight-point lead going into the locker room. She added six more in the second half before fouling out in the final minutes.

“Thankfully, my teammates stepped up, and they said they did it for me,” said Pursell. “This means my team loves me and they can do amazing things when they want to. I’m proud of my team, and they are going to do great next year.”

The Lady Bulldogs narrowed Grove’s lead to five points to start the fourth quarter, and brought the contest to within one point twice in the final frame. The Lady Panthers managed to hold off Cabool’s scoring drive, and with just over a minute to play, the Lady Panthers stepped to the line and nailed both shots to lead by three.

The score would remain unchanged in the final minute, and Mountain Grove held on for the win, 50-47.

“It was a little faster-paced game than we like to play, and Cabool had two great shooters and we always had to know where they were,” said Coach Davault. “We are happy with the outcome.”

Coach Davault was also pleased with the performance of her senior player. “Mary has always been a part of this program,” she said. “I think she planned on that 23 points just like her jersey. We are proud of her and everything that she’s done. Her teammates stepped up and hit some big free throws and got some big rebounds. When all she could do was cheerlead for them in that last part, they got it for her, so we’re proud of them all.”

Mountain Grove: Mary Pursell, 23; Kacey Watson, 12; Michaela Emmerson, 5; Skylar Homer, 5; Jayden Jordan, 3; and Sydney Noel, 2.

Cabool: Jaylene Atkins, 15; Alyssa Matherly, 12; Kelsey Drone, 7; Kaila Shannon, 4; Sarah Luallen, 3; Alexis Samuel, 2; Kaitlen Beller, 2; and Kara Matherly, 2.

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