Austin downs playoff-bound Lady Bucks on Senior Night, 59-32

By Bees O’Brien

FARWELL, PA- Austin turned up the heat on Thursday night and avenged a season opening loss to Bucktail in a big way. The Lady Panthers took advantage of Bucktail turnovers and a rough shooting night to down the hosts 59-32.

Bucktail (9-13) will still head to the PIAA District 4 1A playoffs despite falling short of 10 victories.

Austin (8-11) wasted little time running away with this one. A 13-2 first quarter advantage set the tone in this one.

The Lady Bucks wouldn’t connect on a field goal until Lola English delivered a basket with 5:55 remaining in the half. Austin would use a 16-10 second quarter to go into the locker rooms up 29-12.

It was more Lady Panthers in the second half. A relentless press forced more turnovers, and another 16-10 quarter advantage saw Austin’s lead grow to 45-22.

Austin would close out their upset win with a 14-10 fourth quarter to set the 59-32 final.

Senior Lily Francis led the way for Bucktail by scoring 7 points and a season-high 20 rebounds. Kendall Wagner and senior Kayla Probert also netted 7 points. Matti Mason added 6 points, Lola English ended with 2 points and senior Bella English scored 1 point.

Austin avenged their 36-27 loss to Bucktail back on December 2.

Seniors Bella English, Kayla Probert and Lily Francis were honored before the contest.

The Lady Bucks will now head on to the District 4 1A playoffs and it appears they may be traveling to Shamokin to play once the brackets are released over the weekend.