WESSON — Loretta Martin and the Co-Lin Lady Wolves made atriumphant final appearance in Mullen Gymnasium Monday night.Playing their final home game, the Lady Wolves whipped Pearl RiverCommunity College 79-55, led by sophomore post Crystal Brown’s 13points and Martin’s 10 rebounds.

Co-Lin (15-9, 8-5) faces a must-win situation Thursday night atJones County Junior College in Ellisville. The Lady Wolves mustbeat the Lady Bobcats to land a berth in the MACJC State Tournamentwhich begins next week at the site of the South Division men’schampion.

Martin, a 5-9 sophomore forward from Kenner, La., accounted for5 steals last night. She also scored 9 points in the rout.

“I watch them (ballhandlers). I watch their eyes,” said Martin,explaining her defensive strategy. “I play like I’m not going for(the ball) but then I steal it.

“This was a good way to go out,” said Martin. “Everybody playedhard and got the rebounds.”

Jessica Melton, a sophomore guard from Bogue Chitto, finishedwith 5 assists and 8 points. She agreed with Martin.

“I love it at Co-Lin and it was a good to get a win,” saidMelton. “Everybody played their hearts out. I think we can make tothe state tournament.”

The Lady Wolves led 34-28 at halftime and started the final 20minutes of action with a 6-0 run. A short jumper and 2 free throwsby freshman post Kristian McCray pushed Co-Lin ahead 44-30 with14:46 left to play.

Co-Lin women’s coach Gwyn Young said his team must continueimproving. “We need to get more of a killer instinct. We still madesome mental mistakes.

“Overall, we did a little better the second half,” Youngcontinued, “but we let Pearl River drive to the basket toomuch.”

The Lady Wildcats (12-12, 5-8), coached by Ed Walley, got 12points each from freshman point guard Lamitra Daggs of New Orleans,sophomore guard Carmen Labat of Bay St. Louis and sophomore forwardYolanda Hartfield of Hattiesburg.

Co-Lin outrebounded Pearl River 42-24. Smith had 7 boards and 11points. Point guard Gloria Lewis added 11 points, 5 assists and 3steals.