MADISON – The Otselic Valley Vikings girls basketball team kicked off its 2023 season on the road against Madison on Thursday in a 42-22 deficit. After losing its top four seniors, the Vikings are dependent on its juniors and seniors this season to step up as well as six sophomores.

Thursday’s game was also the opening round of the Madison tip-off tournament, so OV will play in the consolation round on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Vikings face Madison two more times this season in regular scheduled games in mid-December with the final match-up in late January.

The Vikings were led by Miranda Hackett and Emma Rooker who both scored a team-high of eight points. Hackett also had seven steals in the game, along with six rebounds. Junior Gracie Rooker led OV in rebounds with 10 and scored six points. Abiana White contributed with two points in the loss.

Scores by Quarter:

OV 2 2 8 10–22

MA 6 7 17 12—42

OV: Miranda Hackett 8, Emma Rooker 8, Gracie Rooker 6, Abiana White 2.

MA: McKenzie LaMunion 14, Camryn Parmon 11, Cameryn Stansfield 5, Lauren Zehr 5, Emma Godfrey 3, Janet Coleman 2, Mackenzie Cotter 1, Catherine McBride 1.

Three-Pointers: OV 0; MA 1 (Zehr).