BY JASON PEAKE

The Cardinals used their pressure defense to create offense, as Webb City forced Joplin into 11 turnovers in the opening frame in building a 17-2 advantage.

"We wanted to establish ourselves defensively early in the game, and

I thought we were able to generate some turnovers and get out in transition," Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. "We finished those plays and that gave us some confidence."

With many of their hoops coming in transition, the Cardinals led 25-4 after a layup by Madeline Hayes.

Joplin received hoops from Malia Mack and Avery Gage, but Webb City answered with a 14-2 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Darcy Darnell and a free throw from Keira Jackson, giving the hosts a 39-9 cushion.

"We shot the ball well in the first half," Robbins said. "A lot of those were off of steals and that's when we're at our best."

The Cardinals scored the first 10 points of the third quarter to take a 49-11 advantage, and there was a running clock in the final frame.

"Webb City's a quick group and their quickness gave us trouble," Joplin coach Jeff Williams said. "I thought our transition defense was really poor. We've worked and worked to try to eliminate turnovers, but the turnovers really hurt us tonight. But I thought our girls played hard."

A junior guard, Jackson scored 15 points to lead Webb City (8-6), while classmate Darnell added 11. Nine different players scored for the Cardinals. Grace Ipsen scored eight points to lead Joplin (1-10).

Webb City's girls are at Ozark on Thursday, while the Webb City boys head to Ozark on Friday. Joplin's boys and girls are at Branson on Thursday for another doubleheader.

Joplin Globe 1/9/2019 (Used by permission)