BRISTOL, Tenn. | Meredith Tarver and Jenny Vernet each collected double doubles as the Young Harris College women's basketball team closed out their non-conference schedule with a 70-54 victory over Lees-McRae College Wednesday (Dec. 14) afternoon.

The game was moved to King (Tenn.) University as Lees-McRae was installing new seating in its gymnasium. 

"That was the toughest game I think we've had to play in two years," said YHC head coach Matt Stearsman. "I think I counted nine people in the stands. It was sloppy, but we matched our road win total from last year. So I'm proud of that. Now it's time to buckle the seat belts and get locked in for Peach Belt play."

Young Harris improved to 4-3 while the Bobcats fell to 1-8. The Mountain Lions open Peach Belt Conference play Saturday (Dec. 17) as they entertain the University of South Carolina Aiken in a 1:30 p.m. contest at the YHC Basketball Arena.

Tarver led the Mountain Lions with 20 points to go along with her 11 rebounds while Vernet grabbed 18 rebounds - one off her career high - and added 13 points. Bria Ratliff also scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Briana Bell contributed 11 points in the win. 

"Jenny Vernet and Meredith Tarver were tremendous on the glass," added Stearsman. "It was a total team win, but those two really played hard. Bria Ratliff was good off the bench and Briana Bell did some good things."

Young Harris used a 7-2 run over the final two minutes of the first quarter to open up a 15-10 lead. Tarver accounted for five of the points for the Mountain Lions. After two free throws by Bell with 6:23 remaining in the half gave YHC a 23-10 lead, Lees-McRae battled back to get within six points (26-20) at halftime.

The Mountain Lions, who outrebounded the Bobcats 63-43, outscored Lees-McRae 12-0 in the paint during the third quarter. YHC held an 18-6 advantage on the boards during the period that saw the Mountain Lions push their lead to 45-34. Lees-McRae got within four points (57-53) with 4:28 to play on two Martha Mastin free throws; however, the defense stiffened for Young Harris as they outscored Lees-McRae 13-1 to end the game. Lees-McRae missed its final seven shots.

Breana Hardnett led the Bobcats with 15 points while Markia Stacey had 14 and Mastin finished with 10. Brea Forbes grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds.