Girls' basketball: North Callaway 56, Van-Far 47

KINGDOM CITY - Senior guard Kenzie Ausfahl supplied a game-high 23 points and the Ladybirds earned their first win of the season by downing the Lady Indians in Monday night's Eastern Missouri Conference opener.

North Callaway (1-4) owned a 19-13 lead after one quarter and went into halftime with a 32-29 edge. The Ladybirds outscored Van-Far 14-10 in the third quarter to stretch their advantage to 46-39.

Ausfahl made four 3-pointers and hit 9-of-10 free throws, including 5-of-6 in the fourth quarter to help North Callaway clinch the victory. She also came up with six steals and handed out four assists.

Sophomore guard Olivia Isaacks logged a career-high 13 points for the Ladybirds. Senior forward Leigha Morrison and senior guard Heather Thurman both grabbed nine rebounds.

"It was good to pick up our first win - the girls showed a little grit at the end of the game," North Callaway head coach Morgan Beamer said. "We handled the ball well and got a lot of good things from a lot of players."

Jayle Jennings paced Van-Far (2-4, 1-1 EMO) with 21 points.

The Ladybirds remain at home for an EMO matchup against conference newcomer Louisiana at 6 p.m. Thursday.