The Murphysboro High School girls varsity basketball team continued to struggle recently, dropping two more game to run its losing streak to 17 games.
The latest loss was a 53-28 setback at West Frankfort on Monday.
The host Redbirds raced out to a 21-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, and were never threatened.
West Frankfort pushed its advantage to 38-18 at halftime, then outscored the Lady Red Devils 15-10 in the second half.
Gena Jones led West Frankfort with a game-high 26 points, including the 1,000th point of her career.
Hilary Brewer led Murphysboro (4-20, 0-9 SIRR Ohio Division) with seven points.
Late last week, Herrin scored early and often, and ran away from the Lady Red Devils, 57-20.
A layup by Herrin's Nikki Hall following a steal gave the Lady Tigers a 14-point advantage at the end of the first period of play.
Herrin would eventually build a 31-7 lead at the break, and the Lady Tigers pushed the advantage to as many as 35 points in the third period before clearing their bench and playing reserves for the remainder of the contest.
Murphysboro will close out the regular season on Thursday when it hosts Harrisburg.
The Lady Red Devils will host a Class 2A Regional, which begins on Monday with the host team and fifth-seeded Murphysboro taking on No. 4 Johnston City at 7:30 p.m.
The winner of that game will meet top-seeded Herrin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The other semifinal, which will also be played on Tuesday, pits No. 2 Anna-Jonesboro against third-seeded Carterville. The championship game is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11.
Murphysboro, Ill. —
