GALLIPOLIS — Three in-a-row. What a way to go.

The Gallia Academy girls basketball team won its third straight decision, not to mention its final home game of the season, on Monday night during a 57-43 triumph over county rival River Valley in a non-conference matchup on Senior Night.

The Blue Angels (6-11) sent seniors Ryann Leslie and Lauren Kyger out on a solid note in their home finale, holding the Lady Raiders (7-11) to just four points and 1-of-17 shooting over the final eight minutes to turn a tight-knit 41-39 third quarter edge into a memorable 14-point triumph.

The Blue and White outscored the guests 16-4 during that fourth quarter charge, shooting 6-of-11 from the field (55 percent) down the stretch. The hosts saved their best for last, as Gallia Academy made only 22-of-59 shot attempts overall for 37 percent.

Afterward GAHS coach Jeff Duduit was pleased that his team gave 32 solid minutes while earning their third straight victory just one week away from tournament play. More importantly, the second-year mentor was happy that his two upperclassmen got to go close out their Gallia Academy careers in style.

With a home win.

“We wanted them to come out before the game for another recognition, but Ryann and Lauren were too choked up to come out. They were touched right from the very beginning,” Duduit commented. “There were a lot of tears in the locker room after the game. It sunk in that this was the last one at home, but it was fitting and special to send them out as winners.”

Between the two teams, there were 16 lead changes and 10 ties — all through the first three quarters of action. Gallia Academy led 9-7 after one quarter and 26-23 at the half.

The Blue Angels forced 35 turnovers in the victory, including 15 in the opening frame and 25 by intermission. River Valley forced just 16 turnovers, eight in each half.

Overall the Raiders made just 18-of-57 field goal attempts for 32 percent, including 1-of-12 from three-point territory for eight percent. River Valley also won the battle on the boards by a 49-29 margin, including an 18-12 edge on the offensive glass.

Gallia Academy did not make a trifecta in four attempts.

The hosts had eight players contribute to the victory, including a pair with double figures. Alexis Geiger led the way with 18 points, while Leslie followed with 13. Rachel Jones was next with eight markers and a team-high seven caroms.

Kari Campbell and Hannah Cunningham followed with five points apiece, while Sam Barnes and Allie Troester each contributed three points. Kyger rounded things out with two markers. GAHS was a disappointing 13-of-32 at the free throw line for 41 percent.

The Lady Raiders had six players reach the scoring column, with Kirsten Carter leading the charge with 11 points. Brooke Marcum posted a double-double with 10 points and 19 rebounds.

Molly Ruff, Mackenzie Cluxton and Iliana Corfias all contributed six points apiece to the cause, and Brooke Taylor rounded things out with four markers. RVHS was 6-of-11 at the charity stripe for 55 percent.

Gallia Academy, which led nine of the 16 different occasions in the game, never trailed in the fourth quarter and held its biggest lead with the final margin.

The Lady Raiders’ biggest advantage was two points — the last of which occurred at the 5:17 mark of the third period at 32-30. The guests final edge came at 2:03 of the third when they led 39-38.

River Valley won the first contest between these two clubs by a 69-64 score.

Gallia Academy claimed an evening sweep with a 42-23 victory in the junior varsity tilt. Morgan Daniels led the JV Angels with 11 points, while Jessi Hagar paced River Valley with 10 markers.

The Blue Angels return to action Wednesday when they travel to Ironton for a Southeastern Ohio Athletic League South Division contest. Tip-off of the JV game is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Lady Raiders return to the hardwood on Thursday when they host Chesapeake in an Ohio Valley Conference matchup. The JV tip-off is also scheduled for 6 p.m.

Gallia Academy 57, River Valley 43

R Valley 7 16 16 4 — 43

Gallipolis 9 17 15 16 — 57

RIVER VALLEY (7-11) — Amanda Hagar 0 0-0 0, Rachel Walburn 0 0-0 0, Kelsey Sands 0 0-0 0, Kirsten Carter 5 0-0 11, Courtney Circle 0 0-1 0, Molly Ruff 3 0-0 6, Mackenzie Cluxton 2 2-3 6, Iliana Corfias 2 2-5 6, Brooke Taylor 1 2-2 4, Brooke Marcum 5 0-0 10. TOTALS: 18 6-11 43. Three-point goals: 1 (Carter).

GALLIA ACADEMY (6-11) — Samantha Barnes 1 1-2 3, Alexis Geiger 7 4-10 18, Kari Campbell 2 1-1 5, Lauren Kyger 1 0-0 2, Amy Noe 0 0-0 0, Ryann Leslie 4 5-8 13, Hannah Cunningham 2 1-4 5, Rachel Jones 4 0-3 8, Allie Troester 1 1-4 3. TOTALS: 22 13-32 57. Three-point goals: None.

Team statistics/Individual leaders

Field goals: RV 18-57 (.316), GA 22-59 (.373); Three-point goals: RV 1-12 (.083), GA 0-4 (.000); Free throws: RV 6-11 (.545), GA 13-32 (.406); Total rebounds: RV 49 (Marcum 19, Ruff 10), GA 29 (Jones 7); Offensive rebounds: RV 18 (Marcum 7), GA 12 (Leslie 3, Cunningham 3); Assists: RV 6 (Carter 2, Circle 2), GA 5 (Geiger 2); Steals: RV 6 (Carter 2, Marcum 2), GA 15 (Geiger 5); Blocks: RV 2 (Ruff, Marcum), GA 1 (Jones); Turnovers: RV 35, GA 16; Personal fouls: RV 24, GA 15; JV score: GA 42, RV 23.