The New Franklin Lady Bulldogs came away with a thrilling 62-60 overtime win last Tuesday at Pilot Grove.

New Franklin trailed early as the Lady Tigers pulled out in front in the first quarter by a score of  16-12 then push the pedal down to gain a 31-19 lead at the half.

New Franklin battled back and methodically chipped away at the Pilot Grove lead to come to within six at the end of the third, 44-38. This was done mostly on the back of junior Carly Dorson who scored 13 in the period. Including three 3-pointers.

The fourth quarter showed the Lady Bulldogs’ offensive and defensive strength as they scored 14 and held the Lady Tigers to eight to knot the score at 52-52 after regulation.

In the overtime period, Dorson and senior Abby Maupin each dropped in four points while freshman Kebrea Fair added two to give New Franklin 10 points. Pilot Grove was only able to muster eight points, giving New Franklin the 62-60 win.

Dorson paced the New Franklin scorers with 22 points after being shut out in the first period and only scoring one in the second. Maupin added 12 while being shut out in the second and third.  

Junior Emma Rice scored 10, while Kebrea Fair pumped in eight. Junior Addy Salmon added six to go along with the two apiece that junior Kelsi Fair and freshman Brynn Belstle added to round out the New Franklin scoring.

“The girls deserved this,” said New Franklin coach Morgan Vetter. “It was a great comeback win in overtime on the road. We only had eight girls available to play, but the fight and heart were there. I’m very proud of the heart and drive.”

New Franklin will be back on the road this week at the Sturgeon Tournament. Seeded fourth, the Lady Bulldogs defeated fifth-seeded New Bloomfield 67-65 in the opening round. They will face top-seeded Community tonight at 6 p.m.