Clymer saved its best stuff for the fourth quarter, building a double-digit lead that would be needed to weather a late push from Chautauqua Lake for a 51-43 victory.

“In our league it’s going to be very important,” Clymer head coach Dave Bodamer said about starting league play with a win. “It’s a tough schedule, it’s a tough league. You have to get every win you can when they come along, and getting off on the right foot is important.”

Both offenses were a little slugish to start the game, especially in the face of strong on-ball defense from both sides. It was Clymer’s (4-0, 1-0) offense which benefited most from the tenacious defense, scoring several buckets on transition after steals. Aurora Ordines, Abby White, Ava Nyweide and Alexys Neckers all had three steals each for the Pirates and helped build a 26-20 halftime lead.

“We really stress defense,” Bodamer added. “We finally started to rebound the ball a little bit. If we made some free throws, we would make life easier on ourselves. I was proud of them for the way they finished.”

Chautauqua Lake’s Erma Wolcott (1) puts up a shot while being defended by Clymer’s Natalie White (15). OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms

Once taking the lead in the second quarter, Clymer did not look back from there. Chautauqua Lake (3-1, 0-1) was able to inch close throughout the game, but the baskets were not falling throughout the lineup like they were for Clymer. Neckers finished with a game-high 17 points, while Abby White and Ordines both scored 12 to give the Pirates three players in double-figures on top of every player, but one making the scoresheet.

“We have four seniors that typically start, but I do expect to spread that scoring around,” Bodamer said about his team. “Last year we had one main scorer and one that would chip in, but this is nicer.”

When not scoring in transition, the biggest obstacle for the Clymer offense was Chautauqua Lake’s Natalie Gilkinson who dominated the paint. Gilkinson collected 12 rebounds, scored 8 points and blocked five shots for the Thunderbirds.

“I thought Natalie did a phenomenal job underneath,” Chautauqua Lake head coach Mike Putney stated. “This I would say is one of her best games that she battled. Unfortunately, she didn’t get everything that we would have liked, but that wasn’t on her. I was very impressed with her.”

While Gilkinson patrolled the paint for the Thunderbirds, the offense went through Erma Wolcott who scored 15 points and Taylor Donato, who added 10.

Clymer’s Alexys Neckers (21) puts up a shot while defended chased by Chautauqua Lake’s Quinn Putney (11) during Tuesday’s CCAA Division 2 West game in Clymer. OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms

Despite trailing most of the game, Chautauqua Lake never stopped battling back even after falling down 47-33 in the fourth quarter. The Thunderbirds were able to chip away at the deficit and get it to single-digits, but ultimately it was too much to overcome.

“These girls are just the best girls in the whole wide world,” Putney stated. “I tell them everyday, win or lose, I don’t even care, but the fight they always give. It’s the off-the-court stuff that impresses me so much and they’re also great basketball players. I was really impressed with how they fought until the end.”

CHAUTAUQUA LAKE (43)

Cole 1 0 3, Donato 3 2 10, Gates 1 0 2, Gilkinson 4 0 8, Olson 0 5 5, Putney 0 0 0, Riedesel 0 0 0, Wolcott 5 4 15, Zarpentine 0 0 0. Totals 14 11 43.

CLYMER (51)

Chautauqua Lake's Natalie Gilkinson blocks a shot by Clymer's Makenna Woods (13). P-J photo by Christian Storms OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms

Ordines 3 4 12, AWhite 4 3 12, Woods 0 1 1, Nyweide 1 1 3, NWhite 0 0 0, Burchanowski 1 1 3, Neckers 4 8 17, Bodamer 1 1 3. Totals 14 19 51.

3-point goals–Ordines 2, Donato 2, Cole, Wolcott, AWhite, Neckers.

Chautauqua Lake 11 9 10 13 — 43

Clymer 11 15 7 18 — 51

Clymer’s Ava Nyweide (14) knocks the ball from Chautauqua Lake’s Lucy Gates during Tuesday’s CCAA Division 2 West game in Clymer. OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms

Clymer's Abby White (12) drives to the basket while being chased by Chautauqua Lake's Quinn Putney (11). P-J photo by Christian Storms OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms