HAYTI – Aberdeen Roncalli built an early lead, but suffered a second-half setback on Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers fell 52-41 to Hamlin in a Northeast Conference girls’ basketball game after leading for much of the first half.

After a close opening quarter, Roncalli built a 23-13 lead in the second quarter and led 23-18 at the halftime break.

However, the Chargers responded in the third quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 20-10 to take a 38-33 lead into the final period, where the Chargers pulled away for the win.

“We gave up too much dribble drive to the rim in the second half,” Roncalli coach Derek Larson said. “We also gave up too many offensive rebounds, which led to offensive scores.”

The Chargers were led by Addison Neuendorf, who poured in a game-high 27 points, including 13 in the pivotal third quarter. Marissa Bawdon scored 11 points. Hamlin (9-4) will travel to top-rated and unbeaten Sisseton on Thursday.

Aberdeen Roncalli, now 9-2 on the season, was led by Ava Hanson with 14 points, while Maddie Huber had 12. Claire Crawford chipped in seven.

The Cavaliers travel to Britton-Hecla for another NEC game on Friday.

“We’ve got to learn to be tougher,” Larson said, “especially on the road.”

ABERDEEN RONCALLI (9-2): McKenna O’Keefe 1 1-2 3, Maddie Huber 4 3-6 12, Claire Crawford 3 0-0 7, Ava Hanson 5 2-3 14, Gabby Thomas 1 0-0 2, Morgan Helms 0 1-2 1, Rylee Voeller 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 7-13 41.

HAMLIN (9-4): Musonda Kabwe 1 2-2 4, Addison Neuendorf 10 5-5 27, Marissa Bawdon 3 2-4 11, Addelyn Jensen 2 0-0 4, Shayne Fritz 3 0-1 6. Totals 19 9-12 52.

Aberdeen Roncalli 12 23 33 41

Hamlin 11 18 38 52

3-point field goals – Hanson (2), Crawford, Huber; Bawdon (3), Neuendorf (2). Total fouls – Aberdeen Roncalli 16; Hamlin 14.