Chesapeake – Most coaches don’t like close games.

Friday, December 24, 1999

Chesapeake – Most coaches don’t like close games. Lynn Sheets found it a welcome sight.

The Chesapeake Lady Panthers finally played a close game, and they came out with a 49-47 overtime win Thursday over the Minford Lady Falcons.

"It’s a big win for us. We needed to win a close one. All our games have been a blowout one way or the other. Hopefully, it will give us some confidence," said Sheets.

The confidence came at the foul line where the Lady Panthers converted 7-of-10 free throws for all their points in overtime.

But the biggest key for Chesapeake was the defensive effort that left Sheets heaping nothing but praise on his team.

"I’m pleased with the way our defense has played the last few games. Kim Frye had a couple of key defensive stops that gave us an opportunity to win. One was at the end of regulation and one was in overtime," said Sheets.

Kati Fuller scored a game-high 18 points to lead Chesapeake which won its fourth straight after losing three games to open the season.

Fuller also had 10 rebounds and five assists. Michelle Elkins had six rebounds.

Amanda Porter had 16 points and Erica Donahoe 13 for the Lady Falcons.

Minford took an 11-10 first quarter lead as Donahoe scored 5 points. Fuller had all but 2 of Chesapeake’s points.

Erin Sutphin and Elkins had 4 points each the second quarter to lead a balanced attack as Chesapeake tied the game at 25-25.

The Lady Panthers took a 35-30 lead after three quarters, but Christi Skaggs scored all 7 of her points the fourth quarter as Minford tied the game at 42-42 to force the overtime.

Chesapeake hosts River Valley Thursday, Dec. 30.

MINFORD – 11 14 5 12 5 – 47: Amanda Porter 7 0 2-4 16, Erica Donahoe 3 1 4-6 13, Leah King 3 0 1-4 7, Christi Skaggs 2 0 3-4 7, Jessica James 2 0 0-0 4, Carrie Reed 0 0 0-2 0. Totals: 17 1 10-20 47. Fouls: 24. Fouled out: None.

CHESAPEAKE – 10 15 10 7 7 – 49: Kati Fuller 7 0 4-8 18, Michelle Christian 3 0 2-4 8, Michelle Elkins 2 0 4-5 8, Erin Sutphin 3 0 2-6 8, Lindsey Stiltner 1 0 3-4 5, Kim Frye 0 0 2-2 2. Totals: 16 0 17-29 49. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Stiltner. Rebounds: 33 (Fuller 10, Elkins 6). Assists: Fuller 5.