by RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The Reserve Christian Lady Eagles saw a furious comeback fall just short on Thursday night, as the team fell to district rival Grand Isle, 49-45, in their district opener.

Grand Isle led 29-12 at halftime. But Reserve (2-6, 0-1) dialed up the pressure and the intensity in the second half, and it almost paid off in terms of a come from behind victory.

“We talked to them in the locker room about stepping up the defense and getting more aggressive,” said Reserve Assistant Coach Kristy Crews. “They got hyped up. We came out and went to our full court pressure defense, and we were able to get back in it.”

Daysha Blount led the Eagles with 21 points. Raven Campbell added 12 for the Eagles.

RCS outscored Grand Isle 33-20 in the second half.

The Eagles press forced a number of Grand Isle turnovers, which Reserve was able to convert into transition baskets.

“When you play hard on defense, it leads to offense,” Crews said.

A big part of that defensive effort was the play of Jamie Bolden and Raquel Scott, Crews said. They combined to take away Grand Isle’s top offensive option.

“They allowed us to play their best player man up,” said Crews. “The entire team played extremely well in the second half.”