Lady Indians rally past Byrnes

Gaffney's Ashlee Tate injured her knee against Byrnes on Friday. She's scheduled for an MRI today. The Gaffney Lady Indians beat Byrnes on Friday 53-47, avenging an earlier loss. But it may have come at a high cost.

In the waning moments of the game, Gaffney forward Ashlee Tate was carried off the court after injuring her knee. She is scheduled to undergo an MRI today to determine the extent of the injury.

Gaffney coach Stacey Parris said Tate's defensive performance was the key to the win.

"She really stepped up for us," Parris said. "She took one of their best players out of the game. She did a good job of boxing her out."

Tate also contributed offensively with eight points.

Kiesha Leach had 16 points and Kierra Phillips added 15 points for the Lady Indians.

Phillips hit a layup to snap a 45-45 tie with 2:15 left to play. Leach and Phillips both made two free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Byrnes jumped to a 14-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Rebels went on a spurt to lengthen their advantage to 30-18 at the half.

But the Lady Indians came out on fire in the third quarter to tie the game at 33.

Parris said a change in defense sparked the third-quarter rally.

"We kept pressure on the ball and made some shots," she said. "That was the difference in the second half."

Gaffney improves to 6-3, nearly equaling last season's victory total.

"This was a big win for us," the Gaffney coach said. "We are very excited."

Gaffney travels to Spartanburg on Tuesday.