Jonathan Alder used an up-tempo offense and relentless defense to beat the Galion Lady Tigers 64-26 on Tuesday night, it was the Tigers sixth consecutive defeat. Galion has not won a contest in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference this season.

Alder outscored Galion in each of the four quarters. The athletic Lady Pioneers were very aggressive on both ends of the floor, they shot the ball 73 times on offense and forced over 40 turnovers on the defensive end.

Galion fell behind early and was unable to mount any sort of threat throughout the game.

The way Alder played was no surprise to Galion head coach Nick Vukovich.

“They are aggressive, we knew that going in,’” said Vukovich. “They were going to play up on us, tough, we just had to handle it.”

Unfortunately, the Lady Tigers could not find any momentum on offense or defense. Turnovers were a big reason why. Alder was very successful in employing the press. They varied pressure from full-court to half court, forcing 20 first half turnovers.

“We’ve handled it until now, for some odd reason, today it was the exact opposite,” said Vukovich.

Vukovich described the Alder offense as “dribble-drive-motion…a shooters offense. Dribble, kick out and shoot it.”

He added that “it’s a good offense to run if you have the personnel.”

The Lady Pioneers were not hitting shots particularly well, 26 of 73 from the floor, but it was the number of opportunities they had each offensive possession that allowed them to score. The Lady Pioneers have the MOAC’s top two rebounders in freshman Corrine Parker and senior Alivia Milesky.

Galion was unable to limit Alder to single shot possessions throughout the game.

Galion’s lineup featured the entire team at some point in the game.

“We have kids who are hurt, we have kids who are sick, so we’re asking girls to step up and get the moment, stepping in to help us anyway hey can,” said Vukovich.

Galion senior wing Taylor Valentine led the team with 14 points, eight coming in the third quarter. Six other Lady Tigers added two points. Alder had 12 players in the scoring column with senior Autum Dewine leading the way with 11 points.

Looking to get back on track Vukovich stresses that “everything we do now is geared up to come out and give a better effort and become a better team, and be more successful.”

Galion has one division contest remaining in the first rotation of game, which Vukovich is using as motivation.

“Right now we get to see them again……that’s what I keep reminding them. Every team we’ve played thus far is in our conference and we see them again,” he said.

Galion (3-6, 0-6 MOAC) will host Shelby, a familiar non-league foe, on Dec. 28.