DEMOREST, Ga. - The Vikings opened the CCS/SAA Classic on the right track, overcoming a slow start against the LaGrange College Panthers to maintain their perfect season, the final score 55-44. 

The Vikings won the tip to kick off the day. Neither team could find much of a rhythm on offense as the game began, but Elly Callihan looked to provide a spark for the Vikings, getting them on the scoreboard first after poking it free and doing it herself on the fast break with seven minutes on the clock. The lead was short-lived as the Panthers seemed to get on track, striking back with a three. But neither team could gain much ground, as both combined for five points through the first five minutes.  

After a timeout, Briaiah Lewis gave Berry the lead, draining her first jumper of the day after Jeryn Jarrett found her off of an offensive board. Her bucket sparked a run for the Vikings as Emma Hempker caught fire and extended the lead, scoring 5 points before LaGrange closed the deficit by hitting a three for their second bucket of the day.

With about a minute to go in the quarter, Alana Azeta broke double digits for the Vikings after getting herself to the free-throw line. LaGrange couldn't get anything going, missing a three to end a low-scoring first quarter for both teams, the Vikings up by four as the scoreboard read 16 combined. 

Both teams' offensive struggles continued in the second quarter, but the Vikings found themselves striking first as the Chamblee native got the first bucket at the eight-minute mark of the quarter following a block. The Vikings couldn't extend their advantage much as LaGrange managed to close the deficit with six minutes to go in the quarter, making it work entirely from behind the three-point line. Lauren Ellard kept the score in Berry's favor, ending their drought with a three, bringing the lead back up to three. She took it upon herself to lead Berry's offense, bringing the Viking's score to 19 points. 

The Panthers went on a run of their own and closed the distance, making it a point with two minutes to go. They had a few opportunities to take the lead as the clock wound down, but the Vikings stood their ground and prevented them from scoring convert. 

Berry found themselves with the ball with 11 seconds left. They pushed it up the floor to Ava Travis, where she found Alana Azeta under the basket for a last-second layup to push the lead back up to three before the end of the half. The score 21-18.  

Berry started the second half with possession of the ball but gave it up after committing a travel. The Panthers pounced on the opportunity immediately, tying it up with a three on the other end. The Vikings weren't rattled by their quick start as Elly Callihan responded with a three of her own to put the Vikings back up. 

LaGrange wouldn't be denied a lead and took it with 7 minutes left in the quarter after scoring five straight. LaGrange had control of the momentum and seemed ready to extend their advantage, but Briaiah Lewis got herself to bring Berry a little closer and stop the Panthers from running away with it.   

Avery Payne took a turn at the free-throw line and tied the score with six minutes to go. Both teams seemingly found their rhythm on offense as it turned into a heavyweight match. Both teams exchanged punches as the quarter went on. 

Ava Travis scored a layup to put the Vikings back up by two with two minutes to go in the quarter, and LaGrange couldn't create any offense before the close. Berry held onto their advantage entering the final quarter. 

The Vikings came alive as the final quarter started behind the play of Addison Ghorley, as she got things going for the good guys with a block. From her play on defense, the Vikings started the fourth quarter quickly, scoring five straight after a Callihan three and a bucket by Isabella Ramirez on the fast break. After creating opportunities for the Vikings on defense, the Canton native got involved on the offense and scored five more herself, pushing the lead to double digits for the first time in this game. 

The Vikings eventually found themselves with a game-high 15-point lead after Isabella Ramirez converted the fastbreak after getting the ball free. 

Despite keeping the game close throughout the first three quarters, LaGrange had no answers for Berry in the fourth. They lost their rhythm and couldn't get anything going, allowing the Vikings to secure their second win of the season, the final score 55-44. 

The Vikings continue in the CCS/SAA Classic against the Piedmont Lions at home tomorrow, Sunday, November 16th, at 3:00 p.m.