Altamont’s Grace Nelson returns with a big game as Lady Indians defeat Lady Vandals in Season Opener for both teams

Story by I70sports.com’s Seth Whitehead

ALTAMONT — Senior Grace Nelson poured in 29 points in her first game back from an ACL injury that cost her most of her junior year and the Lady Indians rolled to an 84-36 win over the Lady Vandals in the season-opener for both teams Tuesday night.

After the Lady Vandals held Nelson to five points in the first quarter, the Illinois State University signee exploded for 13 points in the second quarter to help the Lady Indians blow the game open. Nelson then scored the first eight points of the third quarter before resting most of the second half.

Nelson’s supporting cast was on point all night as well, as six different Lady Indians scored in the opening quarter to help Altamont open up an 18-6 lead after the Lady Vandals stayed with the host team in the opening minutes. Nine Altamont players registered in the scoring column on the evening, as sophomore Kaylee Lurkins joined Nelson in double figures with 12 points and Claire Boem added 10.

Madison Lupton led the Lady Vandals with 14 points. Vandalia will be right back in action Wednesday night when it takes on Lincolnwood at 6:30 p.m. at the Nokomis Tournament. Altamont will host Windsor/Stew-Stras on Thursday.

Altamont Scoring

Sophia Pearcy — 2 points

Libby Reardon — 6 points

Brianna Grunloh — 6 points

Claire Boehm — 10 points

Peyton Osteen — 5 points

Kaylee Lurkins — 12 points

Kylie Osteen — 8 points

Grace Nelson — 29 points

Skylie Klein — 6 points

Vandalia Scoring

Katie Eckhardt — 3 points