AKRON – The Tippecanoe Valley girls basketball team bounced back in a big way Saturday night.

The host Vikings, who lost a triple-overtime heartbreaker at home Thursday night to Plymouth, opened Three Rivers Conference play with a huge 60-48 win over Wabash.

Valley, which finished tied for second place in the TRC at 5-2 last season, used a big third quarter effort to top the defending league champion Apaches. Wabash won the TRC championship a year ago at 7-0 as part of an outstanding 20-4 season.

The Vikings trailed 16-15 after the opening period and 29-23 at halftime Saturday night. The hosts then took control by outscoring Wabash 16-4 in the pivotal third period to take  a six point lead.

Valley star sophomore Anne Secrest continued her outstanding play. The 6-0 center poured in 26 points in the win. Secrest also had 13 rebounds and five steals.

Senior Caylie Teel turned in a strong all around effort for coach Chris Kindig’s Valley squad. She had eight points to go with six rebounds and five assists. Taylor Trippiedi added six points for the Vikings.

Claire Conner netted 26 points and also had six rebounds and seven steals to lead the way for Wabash.

Valley improves to 5-1 overall, while Wabash drops to 5-2.

Valley hosts Triton Wednesday night. Wabash will host Warsaw Tuesday evening.