Evenly matched in almost every category, Mohawk pulled out a close one over Laurel with effort and determination — and a few more 3-pointers.

Laurel coach Jessica Shevitz said the Lady Warriors fought a little harder for the Section 2-AA victory than her host Lady Spartans, who let the game slip away when Mohawk outscored them, 16-10, in the third quarter.

“We’re two pretty evenly matched teams,” Shevitz said. “I think the only difference is that Mohawk knows how to win and we haven’t figured that part out yet. I told the girls, it’s not that they played bad, but I thought it was a bit uninspired. I just think they wanted it a little more.”

Both teams hit exactly 15 field goals, but Mohawk (6-3, 15-4) made six 3s, and Laurel sank three. Shelby Brown led the way for the Lady Warriors, scoring 10 of her team-high 13 in the second half. She also sank three 3-pointers. Taylor Yarletts added 12 points for Mohawk.

Ellen Shaffer of Laurel (3-7, 7-12) paced all scorers with 17 points. She also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds. Aislinn Deinert netted 10 points. The loss keeps the Lady Spartans in sixth place in the section.

“It hurts our playoff hopes, that’s for sure, but it’s still possible,” Shevitz said. “We just have to take care of business and see what happens. That’s one thing I’ll say about these girls is that they never quit.”