Moberly Lady Spartans Rally From Sluggish First Quarter to Defeat Monroe City in 2OT

For the second consecutive season, the Moberly Lady Spartans went into overtime in their season opener, but this time, they came out victorious. It took two overtimes for the Lady Spartans to defeat Monroe City 68-65. Moberly scored the opening bucket, and then Monroe City went on a 16-0 run in the first quarter. The Lady Spartans cut the margin 27-22 at the half. They did not sniff the lead again until late in the fourth quarter.

Scott Lunte with the call of Kennedy Messer’s game leading three on KRES. Monroe City junior Bailee Hays scored a layup to tie the game and force overtime. Both schools scored five in the first overtime, and then Moberly pulled away in the second extra session with a pair of defensive stops, and a couple of free throws made. Moberly coach Tony Vestal liked how the Lady Spartans clawed back into the game after a dry first quarter.

Freshmen from both sides starred in the game. Moberly’s Messer scored 14 points, and Monroe City’s Haley Hagan came off the bench and scored 15. Senior Mary Billington scored a game high 21 points for the Lady Spartans as they start the season 1-0. Vestal said he learned a lot about Moberly in their first game.

Monroe City falls to 1-1 after they defeated Fulton last Friday in their season opener. Coach Cody Leonard believes they made life too easy for Moberly at times.

Lady Panther senior Hallie Dyer led the way for Monroe City with 18 points. They face Canton next Monday at home. Moberly continues a three game home stand next Monday against Harrisburg. You can hear more postgame thoughts from Vestal and Leonard below:

Moberly coach Tony Vestal:

Monroe City coach Cody Leonard: