OREGON – The Mendota Lady Trojans won three of four games and finished in third place in the Oregon Tip-off Tournament.

The Lady Trojans overcame a slow start and rallied in the second half for a 48-39 triumph over Erie-Prophetstown in the opening game of the tournament on Nov. 14.

Despite an 11-point first quarter by Mendota’s Amellia Bromenschenkel, Erie-Prophetstown owned a 17-14 lead after the first eight minutes. The Panthers were able to stretch the margin to five (25-20) heading to the locker room.

But the second half was a different story. The Lady Trojans caught fire and Erie-Prophetstown scored fewer points in the entire second half (14) than it did in the first period. By the end of the third frame, Mendota led 35-32, and it was able to increase the margin in the fourth.

Bromenschenkel was the lone double-digit scorer for Mendota, finishing with a game-high 24 points. Alex Barrera and Abby Phalen each supplied seven tallies.

Phalen Hessenberger topped the team with 10 rebounds, while Phalen grabbed nine caroms. Phalen also had four assists and seven steals.

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Mendota made it two straight wins with a 44-32 verdict over Ashton-Franklin Center in the second round of the tournament on Nov. 16.

The Lady Trojans took control from the outset, leading 13-5 after the first quarter and 21-9 at the half. They were able to keep AFC at a distance in the second half.

“We played awesome defense all night,” stated MHS coach John Hansen. “I’m very proud of the effort from everyone that touched the floor tonight.”

Bromenschenkel paced the attack with 17 points and 17 rebounds. Barrera (14) and Larkin O’Donnell (10) also hit double-digit scoring. Phalen swiped three steals.

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The Lady Trojans couldn’t hold a fourth-quarter lead and bowed to Hall, 53-46, in the first of two games on Nov. 17.

Mendota raced out to a 17-10 first-quarter advantage, led 27-21 at the break and took a 40-35 margin to the fourth quarter. But the Lady Trojans went cold in the fourth frame as they scored just six points compared to 18 for Hall.

“We got a little sloppy with the ball and beat ourselves in the end,” noted Hansen.

Bromenschenkel pumped in 25 points and had seven rebounds for Mendota. O’Donnell supplied eight points, while Phalen handled 10 rebounds and Madison Bean snared eight boards.

Halls tallied 29 of its points from the free throw line. Mendota was whistled for 24 fouls compared to 14 for Hall.

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Mendota bounced back for a 48-29 win over Oregon in the third-place game.

The Lady Trojans took control from the outset, leading 12-4 after one and 27-13 at intermission.

“We brought home third place with a nice effort on both ends,” said Hansen. “It was a good start to the season.”

Bromenschenkel sparked the club with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Barrera contributed 13 points and four assists, Phalen had eight rebounds and Bean pulled down seven boards.