Chapel Hill jumped on the board early and often, outscoring Monroe 19-4 in the first quarter. The Lady Panthers led 28-13 at the half.
Monroe’s offense found the on switch in the third quarter as they outscored Chapel Hill 17-9 to cut the deficit to 37-30. However, the Lady Panthers took their game up a notch in the fourth, for a 23-14 final quarter and the 16 point win.
“We came out and did the things we need to do,” said CHHS coach Scott Long. “We handled the pressure and the girls did everything I asked them to do.
Kaniesha Mixon led the Lady Panthers with 19 points. Ashley Chestnut followed with 15. Both Erica Jones and Earnicia Washington netted 10 points each.
Monroe was an Elite-8 school last season.
Chapel Hill will play in the second round of the tourney today at 4 p.m.
