LINDALE —  Pittsburg called on its defense to get the job done in a Class 3A, Region II, Area affair that was played at Eagle Gymnasium at Lindale High School Friday evening.

The Bullard Lady Panthers, District 16-3A champions, saw their post season come to a halt, as the Lady Pirates dialed up a 42-32 verdict over Bullard.

A tenacious Lady Pirate defense proved to be the difference in the game, hold Bullard to single-digits in the first and third periods.

“They were a team with a very physical great defensive game-plan and we just could not make an outside shot tonight,” said Bullard’s first-year head coach, Barry Gill. “They took away a lot of the things we do well and they were just so physical inside, but they played a great game.

Pittsburg’s Cheyenne Raney led the Lady Pirates with 16-points in the win for Pittsburg. Teammates Meyika Farmer and Meagan Peters added in six-points apiece to aid in the Lady Pirate win.

Bullard struggled from the field early on and never really recovered as the Lady Pirates shot to a 13-4, first quarter lead. Bullard however got behind Taylor and made it a 19-14, score for the Lady Pirates at the half.

Another big quarter by Pittsburg was a 16-7 run to set up the win,

The Lady Panthers battled back but could not make up the ten-point bulge by Pittsburg for the win.

Bullard was led in scoring by sophomore, Bridgette Taylor with 15, nailing three-treys in the game and netting 13 of her points in the second half.

Lexi Abercrombie was also in double-digits for the Lady Panthers with 10-points as only four Bullard players managed to score.

The Lady Panthers return everybody from a 24-10 season and Gill expects big things from his crew next year.

“We have a very young team and they have really worked hard this year to get where they did,” Gill said. “I know they are going to be working hard this spring and this summer to get better and I’m looking forward to coaching them again next season.”

Pittsburg advances to play in the regional semi-finals next weekend, playing Spring Hill, the runner-up to Bullard in District 16-3A this past season.

Class 3A Girls Area Round Playoff

Pittsburg 42, Bullard 32

Bullard       4    10    7    11  -  32

Pittsburg   13     6    16    7  -  42

BULLARD — Lexi Kirgan, 4; Bridgette Taylor, 15; Maddy Slayter, 3; Lexi Abercrombie, 10.

PITTSBURG — DeNasia Watson, 4; Meyika Farmer, 6; Meagan Peters, 6; Cheyenne Ramey, 14; Kasey Avinger, 4; Jasmine Walker, 2.

THREE POINT GOALS — B: Taylor (4). P: Ramey.

RECORDS — Bullard 24-10; Pittsburg 30-5.

NEXT UP — Pittsburg vs. Spring Hill, regional quarterfinals, date and time, TBA..