The drought is over

GREENVILLE — In the second game of the Augusta County Tip-Off Classic, Fort Defiance defeated Riverheads 41-37 for its first victory of the season on Friday night.

The win also chased any old ghosts that the team had after 24 straight losses.

“I think that the monkey is now off their back,” said Indians coach Patrick Hartley. “It’s a brand new year, a brand new team, it’s a big win for these guys.”

The Indians wrestled with the Gladiators’ tough defense and quickness. The Red Pride trailed 31-25, but Rebecca Grubb drove the ball up the lane to bring her team closer. Riverheads could not come up with the rest of the points for its second win of the season.

“They are a good team. Riverheads [1-2, 0-0 Shenandoah] hung in there until the end. They made it too close for comfort,” Hartley said.

The Indians (1-1, 0-0 Southern Valley District) lost a close game against Wilson Memorial on Wednesday night.

This was a different team.

“If they stick to the system, they work hard and they believe. They were thinking that their team song is you gotta have faith,” Hartley said.

The Indians Sarah Click had 12 points, Jasmine Diggs had 13 rebounds and Annie Shreckhise had nine points.