The Lady Marlins wrapped up their home season with a bang on Tuesday, Feb. 8, romping to a 48-16 win over the Lady Eagles of Pettus.

“It was a great last (regular season) ballgame for us to play in front of our home crowd,” said coach Stephanie Cowen.

Cowen gave much of the credit to the defense, which she said pleased her.

“Even when we changed defenses (in the second quarter), we didn’t allow them to score a large number of points,” Cowen said.

“Early in the game we were getting good shots, but couldn’t seem to get them to fall,” she added. “I think most of that was the adrenalin of the night. As we entered the second period, we jumped into some half-court traps (a defensive strategy aimed at forcing intercepted passes). We were able to get some steals and push the ball up the floor.”

Kelsey Ortiz was the leading scorer and the only one in double digits with 12 points, and Cowen said she had an “outstanding” night. “Most of her points came in the second period, but her energy and effort were obvious throughout the entire game,” the coach said.

Tarryn Murray put in nine points, Chelsea Perez hit seven, Savannah Ortiz and Anna Roberson made six each, Savanna Nixon hit four and Kalani Balcom and Jenna Socha each scored two.