Waterford wins defensive playoff matchup and moves on
By: Eva Greene
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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WOUB) – It’s an intense and defensive playoff matchup between the Waterford Wildcats and the Ripley Union Blue Jays. Both teams struggled against each other’s defense, but Waterford prevailed 28-24.
In the first quarter, the Blue Jays started off hot. Making back-to-back threes from Brooklyn Manning and Sophia Miller. While their offense was producing, their defense held down, stifling Waterford down low in the paint. The score at the end of the first, 8-2, Ripley Union.
Before halftime, Waterford’s offense woke up, and their defense locked in. Led by both Brynnlee Pottmeyer and Elsie Malec, the Wildcats’ offense went on a staggering 13-0 run on the Blue Jays defense. Pottmeyer also led the charge on the defensive side by forcing many turnovers. The score at halftime was 17-8, Waterford.
Coming out at half, Ripley Union decided that they weren’t going down without a fight. Manning and Raquel Hackney took matters into their own hands and propelled the Blue Jays’ offense. Manning also had a crucial and-one to give Ripley momentum going into the final quarter.
Manning continued her dominance into the fourth; she had another crucial and-one to put the game within two points. Waterford’s offense struggled against the Blue Jays’ defense, leading to multiple turnovers that helped Ripley come back.
Ava Hurley would put up two major shots to extend the Waterford lead back to four points. Thanks to Pottmeyer’s nine steals in the game, Waterford wins the nail bitter 28-24.
The Blue Jays’ season comes to a close with this close loss. They ended the season 10-13 overall, and 3-10 in conference.
Waterford will move on to the next round, where they will face a familiar opponent, the Belpre Golden Eagles, on Feb. 28.