FLORENCE, Wis. — Sometimes a basketball game is a tale of two completely different halves. After having a 27-8 lead at halftime, the Florence Ladycats held on to defeat non-conference opponent Tomahawk 48-41 here Thursday night.

The Ladycats, who came away with their first win of the season, improve to 1-3. Florence scored 17 of their 21 second-half points from the free throw line.

“In practice we’ve been working on better ball pressure, and communicating to each other on screens,” said Florence head coach Brad Perry. “In the first half, the girls did a great job defensively.”

Freshman Isabella Millan led Florence with 21 points, with 14 points coming from the free throw line. Senior Lacey Enders chipped in nine points, and a team-high 11 rebounds.

In the second half, Perry noted that the Hatchets were far more aggressive and physical on offense than they were in first half. “The girls still aren’t used to the physicality of the varsity level. Our lack of experience showed in that way tonight. Happy to grind out our first win of the season, despite our poor shooting from the field.”

The Ladycats remain home and will host Northern Lakes Conference foe White Lake on Monday, with a 5:30 p.m. tip off, as the Florence boys will also host White Lake following the girls contest. Tip off for the boys contest is at approximately 7 p.m.

Tomahawk 8 33 — 41

Florence 27 21 — 48

FLORENCE: Millan 21, Enders 9, Peterson 8, Seldon 6, Uren 4; FT: 27-39; FG shooting: 10-52; 3-point FG: Milan; Rebounds: 30– Enders (11); F: 15; Fouled Out: None