MENDOTA – The Mendota Lady Trojans returned to the hardwood after a lengthy layoff and were beaten by Putnam County, 32-23, on Dec. 16 at the MHS gym.

Putnam County led by a 7-6 count after the opening period, but the Lady Trojans tallied only three second-quarter points compared to nine for Putnam County. Mendota outscored the visitors, 11-6, in the third quarter to slice the margin down to two (22-20), but another three-point output in the fourth frame by Mendota allowed Putnam County to pull out the win.

“Our first game in two weeks so I was happy with the energy and effort on both ends,” said Mendota coach John Hansen. “I loved our defensive effort until a little 8-0 run by Putnam County late in the fourth quarter. Chalk that up to conditioning.

“This was the best we’ve looked executing the offense, we just still missed too many shots. I was happy with the progress and hope it continues in the right direction.”

Paige Manning and Reanna Brant topped the Lady Trojans in scoring with seven points apiece. Brant also led with 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, while Manning handed out three assists and had a pair of blocked shots.

The Lady Trojans’ record fell to 1-7 on the season.