Game Recap:
Following an electrifying quarterfinal victory over Arlington Baptist, the Lady Eagles faced off against Simmons College of Kentucky in the National Semifinal. From the opening tip, the game had all the intensity of a championship matchup. Both teams understood what was at stake, setting the stage for a grueling 40-minute battle. Despite their relentless effort, the Lady Eagles fell short, losing 70-81 to Simmons and missing out on a championship berth.
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The game opened with back-and-forth scoring, with Simmons holding a narrow 7-6 lead after the first three minutes. The Lady Eagles briefly claimed the lead in the first quarter when Mellany Bowser's steal set up an Alissa Brewer fast-break bucket. However, Simmons responded immediately and closed the quarter ahead 23-19. In the second quarter, Simmons came out strong with a 13-5 run that lasted nearly seven minutes. Sky Boyd and Abigail Winslow combined to cut the deficit to eight, but Simmons maintained control, heading into halftime with a 44-34 advantage.
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After the break, Simmons kept the Lady Eagles scoreless for the first two minutes. But a steal by Sky Boyd and a quick bucket from Abigail Winslow reignited the Eagles' offense. By the seven-minute mark of the third quarter, the Lady Eagles trailed 38-50. Then, in a dominant two-minute stretch, they went on a 10-0 run, holding Simmons to 0-6 FG shooting while converting 4-5 from the field and 2-2 from the FT line. Suddenly, the deficit was down to just two points at 48-50. However, Simmons regrouped, rebuilding a seven-point lead before Alissa Brewer's two free throws at the end of the quarter brought the score to 55-60 with one period remaining.Â
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Both teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter, refusing to back down. The Lady Eagles fought hard, but they couldn't cut the deficit to fewer than six points. Simmons' efficiency down the stretch—scoring 21 points in the final quarter and shooting 7-11 from the free-throw line—proved too much to overcome. Despite contributions from six different Lady Eagles in the fourth, Simmons held on to secure the 81-70 victory.
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Leading the Lady Eagles was sophomore Sky Boyd, who posted her eighth double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Abigail Winslow added 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in just 16 minutes of action. Amy Ahrens contributed 9 points, while Kristin Mentzer tallied 8 points and 5 rebounds. Senior Alissa Brewer put in a well-rounded performance with 8 points, 7 assists, and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes.
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Though their National Championship hopes came to an end, the Lady Eagles showcased their resilience and determination in a hard-fought semifinal battle.
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What's Next:
Tomorrow, the Lady Eagles will take on the host team, the #7-ranked North Central University Rams. The two teams have met only three times before, all in the National Tournament, and the Lady Eagles are determined to claim a 3rd Place victory. A win tomorrow would not only secure their 3rd place spot but also push them into a record-tying season, potentially tying the program record for the best win/loss record in a single season, 26-4.Â
To stay updated on the Lady Eagles' postseason, follow @eaglespccwbb on Instagram. For complete coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Â
