CRAIG — Palisade won the opening tip against host Moffat County on Friday night in varsity girls basketball action.

Holly Odneal burst down the court, laying the ball in for two quick points and an early Palisade lead.

Unfortunately for the visitors, it would be their only lead in Friday’s game.

Moffat County held Palisade scoreless for the next 6:42, surging ahead and eventually finishing off the visitors in a 71-34 victory.

Moffat County used 10-0 runs in the first and second quarters behind a suffocating defense and a quick-strike offense.

Senior Angie Charchalis knocked down back-to-back treys to ignite the first run and senior Amy Dilldine blocked a Palisade 3-point attempt and scored four points to fuel the second quarter surge.

Trailing by 18 points at the half, Palisade coach Jay Muller attempted to light a fire under his players after a dismal 7-18 showing from the free-throw line.

The motivational tactic failed.

Palisade scored just four points in the third quarter, pretty much eliminating any chance of a comeback against the defending three-time Western Slope League champions.

“We talked about the free-throw thing at the break,” Muller said. “But I don't think the game would have been close even if we made those free throws. We weren’t intimidated like we were last time we played them, we just lacked in the fundamentals.”

Charchalis led the MCHS attack, scoring 24 points in Moffat County’s eighth consecutive victory. Senior post player Markie Workman added 14.

Senior Bernadette Pitre, who scored eight points, led Palisade. Sophomore Megan Miller pitched in with six.