By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

PORTSMOUTH — The Symmes Valley Lady Vikings weren’t bothered by the Portsmouth Clay Lady Panthers. They were bothered by themselves.

The Lady Vikings shot just 31 percent and had 13first half turnovers in a 50-40 loss to Clay Monday in a Southern Ohio Conference game.

“We were our own worst enemy,” said Lady Vikings’ coach Lisa Bryant. “We played better defensively and we handled their press with no problems. We got through the press and then we would miss a short jumper or layup.”

The Lady Vikings fell behind 15-4 in the first quarter but Megan Johnson had five points in the second quarter to stay within striking range at 28-15.

Jessie Morris scored six points in the third quarter as each team had 10 points and it was 38-25.

“Our defense looked good most of the night, but we are still not hitting the boards like I know this team can,” said Bryant. “We cant get down 18 to 20 points in a game and then try and claw our way back.”

Morris scored nine points and Kayla Hayes four as the Lady Vikings outscored Clay 15-12 and got within nine points at one time, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

“We played an all-around better game in the second half, but we got out of defensive position a couple of times and gave up easy baskets,” said Bryant.

“Overall we have to shoot better and cut down on our turnovers. Still, this team never quits.”

Morris scored 17 points and had four steals to lead the Lady Vikings (2-2, 2-1). Hayes had 10 points and seven rebounds. Kalli Hunt also had seven rebounds.

Symmes Valley 4 11 10 15 = 40

Portsmouth Clay 15 13 10 12 = 50

SYMMES VALLEY (2-2, 2-1): Malenna Davis 0 0 0-0 0, Hannah Maynard 0 0 0-0 0, Jessie Morris 8 0 1-4 17, Kayla Hayes 5 0 0-3 10, Kalli Hunt 3 0 0-0 6, Megan Johnson 2 0 1-2 5, Taylor Michael 0 0 0-0 0, Ada Humphrey 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 19-61 2-9 40. Fouls: 13. Fouled out: None. Rebounds: 26 (Hayes 7, Hunt 7). Assists: 8. Steals: 15 (Morris 4, Hayes 4, Johnson 2). Turnovers: 17.

PORTSMOUTH CLAY (3-1, 2-1): Bover 2 2 0-0 10, Jenkins 7 0 0-0 14, Carter 0 0 0-0 0, Beegon 0 0 0-0 0, Spriggs 0 1 0-0 3, Whitley 0 0 1-2 1, Miller 0 0 0-0 0, Pelfry 0 0 0-0 0, Curley 2 0 0-0 4, Hemphill 7 0 4-9 18, Stewart 0 0 0-0 0, Craft 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18 3 5-11 50. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.