Sports
Lancer’s Tabler helps topple Tomcats
< < Back to In a game where two teams were desperately in need of a win, the most unlikely player gave Federal Hocking the edge over Trimble in the Lancers’ 48-38 victory.
Freshman point guard Carley Tabler exploded for a career-high 36 points as she almost single-handedly defeated the Tomcats (0-7, 0-5).
“I was just surprised, having fun, and just kept shooting,” said Tabler. “I enjoyed all of it.”
The young Lancer’s scoring spree came at a good time for Fed Hock (2-6, 2-4), who entered the game on a three-game losing streak. Despite the impressive numbers for Tabler, Trimble gave the Lancers a run for their money.
The Tomcats fought hard in the back-and-forth game. They led 9-5 after the first quarter and only trailed by three points at halftime, and one going into the fourth frame. Trimble also took the lead early in the final quarter before falling in the end.
“This was a big win tonight,” said Lancers head coach Jeff McKibben of Fed Hock’s first home victory in two years. “We have to win at home, especially against teams we’re competitive against.”
Trimble saw the return of guards Tia Savage and Tia Altier after they both missed the Nelsonville-York game due to injury, but they were not enough to keep the game from turning sloppy. The Tomcats turned the ball over 27 times, while the Lancers also had a tough time holding onto the ball with 28 turnovers.
In the end Tabler’s hot shooting overcame the mistakes, as she converted on 14 of her 25 shots from the floor, good for 56 percent. She also finished 7-of-10 at the foul line.
“As a freshman to step up and play like that is really big,” said McKibben about Tabler’s stellar night.
Megan Thompson was the only other Fed Hock player to make a field goal, but the Lancers finished 15-of-22 at the charity stripe, compared to Trimble’s 8-of-20.
The Tomcats had two players who finished in double figures. Both Tia Altier and Erica Swart scored 10 points with Janena Cain adding eight. Demi Moore had a big night rebounding, as she finished with 10, while Swart added six.
Cheyenne Singer had a relatively quiet night for Federal Hocking, with all six of her points coming at the free-throw line, but was a big force on the glass with 12 boards.
Federal Hocking hopes to continue the winning ways when they host Wahama on Thursday. Trimble is also in action Thursday when they return home to face Miller (2-5, 2-4).