OBSERVER Staff Report

The Dunkirk Lady Marauders rode a hot first quarter to a victory on Thursday night, downing the Sherman Lady Wildcats, 81-61.

The first quarter was the story of the game for the Lady Marauders, as they outscored Sherman 27-7 in the opening frame, highlighted by Nadara O’Dell’s 10 first quarter points, and Olivia Smith hitting two three pointers to pace the high octane Marauders offense. The rest of the three quarters were played evenly, but the 20 point deficit in the first proved to stand the test of the game.

The Marauders were led by O’Dell, who finished the game with 19 points, and Jessica Beehler, who according to her coach Ken Ricker, played “the best game of her varsity career for us tonight.” Beehler ended with 14 points and 17 assists. Kymi Nance also had 15 points, while freshman JV call up Ana Rodriguez finished with 13. Amari Carter had 10 rebounds on the game, leading the Lady Marauders in boards.

Sherman was led by Mackenzie Gratto and Amaya Lewcyk, who each had 16 for the Lady Wildcats.

The Lady Marauders (2-0) open league play on Tuesday, Dec. 17, when the Chautauqua Lake Lady Thunderbirds come to Dunkirk.