Palmerton’s defense is designed to create problems.

And that’s exactly what it did Friday night against Lehighton in both team’s season opener.

Pressure from the Blue Bombers forced early turnovers and helped the visitors build a double-digit lead, which was needed as the Indians nearly stormed back. In the end, though, a couple key baskets and clutch free throws helped the visitors hold on for a 56-51 victory.

“We knew coming in that they play an up-tempo, helter-skelter defense to force turnovers,” said Lehighton head coach Joe Berezwick. “That’s what they do. They caused a lot of problems early, and it caused us some problems even later.

“But I believe we also created some problems for them later, and we both ended up getting in that up-and-down style of play. Give Palmerton the credit they deserve. It was a hard-fought game. Both teams went toe-to-toe ... Palmerton obviously is a really good team. So, I hope that tells our girls that we’re a really good team, too.”

The two clubs battled back-and-forth in the early going with the Bombers leading just 19-17 midway through the second quarter. Dan Beck’s squad, however, closed the half on a 17-6 run to take a 13-point lead to the locker room. Megan Matsko delivered three baskets during the stretch, while Raegen Nemeth added two.

“We did what we wanted to do (in the first half) on offense and defense,” said Beck. “We pushed the ball up the floor, and we made some smart decisions, and we didn’t force too many passes.

“It was a good effort and I thought we wore them down a little bit, but in the second half, Lehighton came out and were ready to play.”

Palmerton actually maintained its advantage throughout most of the third quarter, and still held a 10-point margin at 46-36 entering the final frame.

But the Indians gained some momentum, and it nearly led to a comeback win.

Still trailing 51-40 after a three-pointer by Palmerton’s Sydney Frantz with under six minutes to play, the host team reeled off nine straight points to cut the gap to just two. Charli McHugh drilled a three-pointer and Hailey Miller drained four free throws to get the home fans excited.

The Bombers’ Matsko got free for an inside bucket, but Lehighton’s Emma Repsher countered with a put-back at the other end to make it 53-51 with 2:11 left on the clock. Palmerton forced three turnovers down the stretch, while Brianna Moore hit three free throws to seal the win.

“I’m happy because a win is a win, but we need to clean some things up and play a little better,” said Beck. “We had good balance. Everybody on the floor is capable of scoring. That’s one good thing for us. There’s no really weak link out there. Everyone can take it to the basket, can shoot, can drive. They all do a nice job.

“It’s the beginning of the season and we have to get used to being in tight games ... We’ll gain a little more experience as the season goes by, and we’ll be OK.”

LEADING SCORERS ... Frantz, with three three-pointers, led Palmerton in scoring with 16 points. Moore, who had seven in the opening quarter, followed with 14, while Matsko ended with 10. The Indians’ Miller finished with 17 to lead all scorers. Eleven of her points came in the first period. McHugh tallied 14, with Taylor Bowman contributed 10.

BOARDS GALORE ... With the two teams struggling from the floor, there were plenty of opportunities for rebounds. Matsko (11) and Moore (10) both had double-doubles for Palmerton, while Miller (13) and McHugh (10) did the same for the Indians. Lehighton also received 10 boards from Aaliyah Fisher.

GLASS HALF FULL ... Berezwick, despite the loss, was also pleased with his team’s effort. “It was a tale of two halves,” he said. “Unfortunately ... we came up a little short. We said at halftime that we can’t go away, we’re not going to go away, and we didn’t go away. And, we almost found a way to pull it out.”

PALMERTON

Frantz 6-1-2-16, Barry 1-0-0-2, Matsko 4-2-5-10, Balliet 0-0-0-0, Nemeth 3-0-0-6, Morgan 3-2-2-8, Moore 3-7-10-14. TOTALS: 20-12-19-56.

LEHIGHTON

Repsher 1-0-0-2, McHugh 4-5-6-14, Williams 0-0-0-0, Miller 4-6-6-17, Bowman 1-8-14-10, Wojton 1-0-2-3, Fisher 2-1-3-5. TOTALS: 13-20-31-51.

Palmerton 19 17 10 10 - 56

Lehighton 13 10 13 15 - 51

Three-pointers: Palmerton - Frantz 3, Moore 1; Lehighton - Miller 3, McHugh 1, Wojton 1.