“Everyone is just kind of getting in the flow of things because it’s early in the season. We’re still getting used to each other,” said East sophomore forward Sam Rodgers, who scored all nine of her points in the second half, dished out six assists and snagged three rebounds.
“I still feel great about this team,” she added. “We’ll do fine. It’s a long season.”
Lizzie Panzeca also marked nine points for the Thunderhawks (2-1). Erin White, East’s lone senior, added eight.
The visitors shot 39.6 percent from the floor, 26.1 percent in the first half and 52.0 percent thereafter, and lost the battle of the boards 35-24.
“Shooting-wise, it was horrible. Thirty-nine percent won’t get it done,” Thunderhawks coach Larry Sykes said. “We didn’t practice the day before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving, and we looked like we hadn’t practiced in a day or so.
“We’ll get better. I’m happy with what I saw. I learned some things from it.”
Panzeca scored from short range to push East ahead 47-46 with 56.2 seconds left, but Autumn Whirley’s driving layup with 39.0 on the clock gave Eaton the lead for good.
The Eagles hit 5 of 6 free throws from there, improving to 3-0 and beating the Thunderhawks for the second straight year.
“I didn’t know if we had the firepower to beat this team,” Eaton coach Gary Peffly said. “I just can’t say in words how proud I am of our girls because I thought we beat a very good team that was quicker, faster and stronger, and we hung in there the whole way.”
Danielle Karns marked 15 of her 19 points after intermission to lead the Eagles, who shot 38.1 percent from the field and had 18 turnovers. Whirley scored 12 points and Libby Springmier chipped in 11.
Michelle McKinney was a key contributor for the winners with six points, seven rebounds and five assists.
“They jell together,” Sykes said of Eaton. “That’s what I think they do most importantly. They all play together.”
Sharmaine Wills tossed in seven points for East. Rodgers had seven points in the final seven minutes.
“I was finally getting in the groove of things in the second half,” Rodgers said. “I like to help everyone else get going first before I think about myself.”
The Thunderhawks’ home opener will be Wednesday against Hamilton.
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