Chillicothe finally got into the win column in league play with a 55-44 victory over Gallia Academy Saturday night.

The Lady Cavs broke the game open in the second quarter. Trailing 14-12, the Cavs tied the game at 18 and then went on an 18-1 run and kept the Blue Angels at bay.

“And that’s good, because our second quarters have not been good” said Cavs Coach Shawn Blue. The Cavs didn’t have Jenna Holton available at Washington Court House which Coach Blue said hindered Chillicothe’s player rotation, something they had Saturday against Gallia. “We didn’t get into that eight man rotation, where we had that rotation tonight. So, late in that quarter I think that made a big difference because late in the first quarter we’ve been having problems to where we haven’t scored well in the second quarter.”

The Blue Angels threw pressure at Chillicothe, which has given the Cavs problems this season, but then pulled it back. “We were attacking the basket out of it” said Blue. “We still have to learn how to handle pressure and close out games.”

Chillicothe committed 17 turnovers to Gallia’s 13.

The Cavs shot 57% from the field and did well protecting their lead. Gallia made two runs at cutting into what was a 16-point deficit, getting within six points.

Bri Dawes led all scorers with 21 points. Nashayia Lett added 16 points and 9 rebounds, Jasmine Jordan added 8 points and 8 boards, Kayla Keener had 7 rebounds and four points, Jenna Holton added five points and Hayley Large two.

Chillicothe’s victory forges a three way tie with Gallia Academy and Portsmouth in the SEOAL.

Jackson took over the top spot in the league with a 51-44 win over second place Warren. Earlier in the day, Logan got past Portsmouth 59-52.

Chillicothe (4-6/1-4) will host Logan Elm Tuesday at Hatton Gym. The Lady Braves beat Amanda 57-53 Saturday.