By Cort Reynolds

Mustang junior guard Evelyn Lehman led all scorers with 22 points, but AE lost 45-41 to Arlington in the opening round of the annual McDonald’s Holiday tournament at Bluffton High School on Friday, November 21.

Lehman drained four three-point goals and seven baskets while canning all four of her free throws.

The loss ended AE’s streak of four straight wins in the McDonald’s Holiday tournament.

Red Devil Madison Ernst canned two trifectas in the first period as Arlington jumped to a 16-9 lead. Arlington led 30-21 at halftime as Amelia Alexander scored seven points in the second stanza by nailing all five of her free throws.

Lehman drilled two triples and scored eight points in the second period to keep the Mustangs within striking distance.

AE won the second half 20-15, but couldn’t overcome the nine-point deficit.

Alexander led the victors with 12 points, including eight of nine foul shots. Madeline Hartman also netted 12 markers. Ernst scored 10 points for the better-balanced Devils.

Mustang junior Brooklynn Crumrine scored eight points, and sophomore Harper Freisner added seven markers for AE.

AE (0-1) will play C-R (0-1) in the consolation third-place contest Saturday in Bluffton at 5 p.m.

1 2 3 4 F

AE 9 12 8 12 41

Arl 16 14 6 9 45

AE offensive totals: 10-5/6-12/41. Arlington: 10-4/13-20/45.

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