DECATUR — The Lady Bulldogs defeated the Watts, Okla., Engineers 45-43 during a non-conference game last Wednesday.

“A good win. We finished a game. Protected a lead. It was a five point game and we gave up a three trying not to foul,” said Decatur coach Bill Niven.

Decatur started the game with a slight lead, ending the first quarter with a score of 14-13. By half-time the Lady Bulldogs were ahead 26-23 and continued to maintain their lead for the rest of the game.

Decatur’s Sarah Harris had a good night, according to Niven, scoring 20 points and making 11 rebounds. Hannah Ramsey scored 11 points and made nine rebounds. Brittany Frost had 10 rebounds and Kaula Yang had four assists.

Watts’ Kelly Goldenscored 20 points for the Warriors followed by Taylor Langley, who scored 10 points.

“The girls played hard and played better. Defensively, I think we are getting a better idea of what we are doing. Offensively, shooting will continue to be a problem (15 percent) but we went offensive boards hard,” Niven said.

OAKS-MISSION 38 DECATUR 22

The Lady Bulldogs lost 38-22 to the Oaks-Mission Warriors during a nonconference game at Oaks, Okla., last Tuesday.

“Oaks beat us by 30 points and scored 57 points at Decatur. This time they scored 38. Defensively we are getting better, but to win we need to hit some shots. Twenty-four percent field goal percentage and 50 percent free-throws won’t win many games. Shooting is an art that will take time to develop, but the defense is allowing usto be more competitive,” Niven said.

The Lady Warriors finished the first quarter with an 8-0 lead. Decatur scored seven points in the second quarter for a half-time score of 14-7. Decatur did outscore Watts 12-11 in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to make up for lost ground.

Decatur’s Sarah Harris scored eight points and made six rebounds. Sayde Roughton also scored eight points and made three rebounds.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we only had seven players dressed out. But I was proud of the fight and heart of those seven,” Niven said.

The Lady Bulldogs started the conference season on Tuesday with a home game against Union Christian Eagles after press time. They will face the Hartford Hustlers at a conference game in Hartford on Dec. 21.

Sports, Pages 11 on 12/19/2012