Marble Falls girls fall, 52-39

November 06, 2012, 9:00 pm by Mark Goodson

Staff Photo By Mark Goodson Senior Katy Bartels defends against Copperas Cove Tuesday night in Marble Falls season opener. The Lady Mustangs play at Brownwood on Saturday.

By Mark Goodson

Highlander Sports Editor 

Marble Falls had a good test in its opening basketball game Tuesday night.

The Lady Mustangs matched Copperas Cove in hustle, but turnovers and a hot hand from Copperas Cove senior Shawntee Gott was the difference in a 52-39 loss at Max Copeland Gymnasium.

Junior Sarah Stripling led the Lady Mustangs with 21 points on five of 16 shooting from the floor.

Gott scored nine points in the fourth quarter and finished with 15 for the game for the Lady Dawgs.

The Lady Mustangs had 31 turnovers while Copperas Cove had 24.

"We have to take care of the ball  better,’’ Marble Falls coach Chris Jost said.

Marble Falls used free throws to stay in the game. In the first half, the Marble Falls squad hit 14 of 22 free throws and tailed off in the second half to finish hitting 19 of 40 from the line.

Marble Falls was in the game through three quarters. Copperas Cove hit a 3-pointer at the third quarter buzzer to build a 32-25 lead. The Lady Dawgs ran off an 9-3 run sparked by Gott to build the lead to 13 points.