Fallon, swarming defense lead Riverhawks to opening win

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The Toledo girls’ basketball team opened its season with a big win in Tenino on Wednesday night, defeating the Beavers 53-17.

The Riverhawks had success and got out to a big lead early thanks to a suffocating full-court press, one that forced several turnovers that turned into easy buckets in transition.

Eighth-grader Ellie Fallon led the way offensively for the Riverhawks (1-0) with a game-high 17 points, while Stefani Arceo-Hansen and Zaya Norberg each added eight. Kailea Lairson also tallied seven.

The Beavers (0-1) struggled to get into a rhythm in the half court offensively, as several possessions ended without a shot attempt.

“When we did get in our offense, we turned it over too much on top,” Tenino coach Scott Ashmore said. “They get up and press you up, and we were not ready to hit options to get out of that.”

Presley Vanchieri led the team with six points, while Brianna Asay added five, Kyla Watson scored three, Jaeleen Woodward tallied two and Holly Thoren logged one.

“We’re just gonna keep working,” Ashmore said. “It was a good test for us. A good non-league game to show us what we need to work on.”

Both the Beavers and Riverhawks are back in action on Friday, as Tenino will head to Rochester while Toledo heads to Friday Harbor.