After two straight losses in the New Franklin Tournament last week, the Fayette girls broke through for an easy 77-34 victory over Pilot Grove in a return to their home court on Monday evening.

Fayette started the game in a 2-2-1 press, converting a string of Pilot Grove turnovers into a quick 7-0 lead. A Tiger’s timeout did little to slow the home squad as they finished the quarter on an 11-1 run to take a 20-8 lead after eight minutes.

“We played very well from the start, controlling the tempo of the game,” said Fayette coach Rachel Harding.

The Lady Falcons continued to pour it on during the second quarter, earning a 43-16 lead at halftime. Sophomore Paige Vroman paced the Lady Falcons in the first half, scoring 16 points, including two 3-pointers and going a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line.

“Paige played great tonight, putting up 24 points. We also had two other girls in double figures, so we had a balanced attack,” Harding said. “It was also great to celebrate Oakleigh Hill for scoring her 1000th point in the New Franklin Tournament.”

Fayette stymied Pilot Grove throughout the second half as they secured the 77-34 win.

Vroman led the Lady Falcons with 24 points. Senior Oakleigh Hill added 16 points, and junior Browyn Eubanks had 10.

With the win, the Lady Falcons improve to 4-6 on the season, and they look to get within one game of .500 tonight (Wednesday) at Slater. On Friday, Fayette faces its old postseason nemesis, Clopton, at the Mid-Missouri Invitational hosted by Harrisburg. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.

On Monday, the Lady Falcons travel to North Callaway. They open their inaugural Central State 8 Conference season on Tuesday at home against New Bloomfield.