After defeating fifth-seeded Versailles in the first round of the Russellville Tournament Jan. 27, then falling to third-seeded Father Tolton in overtime in the second round Tuesday, second-seeded Russellville faced Versailles once again, this time in the contest for third place Thursday night, where the Lady Indians captured a 41-40 win.
Russellville led 14-6 after the first quarter and 32-16 at the half, however, the Lady Tigers turned up the heat in the second half to challenge the Lady Indians to the end, outscoring Russellville 9-1 in the third frame and 15-8 in the fourth. It was too little, too late however, as the Lady Indians still managed the win, 41-40, and a third place finish in the tourney.
"The Versaillies game was a tale of two halves," Russellville Coach David Volkart said. "The first half we played great offensively, defensively, and emotionally. In the second half, we didn't. We couldn't get shots to fall, we had some breakdowns defensively, and we were flat. I was happy to see some kids step up and refuse to lose."Â
Russellville was led by A.J. Grellner with 17 points and Hannah Matthews with 11.
Versailles was led by Duanna Frerking with 11 and Kristen Nachbar with 10.
In other action at the tourney Thursday, Father Tolton defeated top-seeded California 49-44 for the championship, and fourth-seeded Belle defeated sixth-seeded Warsaw 66-52 to win the consolation.
In the previous contest against Father Tolton, the Lady Indians, who led for three quarters, lost a hard-fought game in overtime, 50-47.
"I thought we did a good job of battling," Volkart said. "We got down by eight in the second half and made a run to take the lead. We had an opportunity to win and came up short. I've got to do a better job in tight situations to give us the best opportunity to win."Â
Russellville led 19-6 after the first quarter, 32-24 at the half, and 38-36 after three quarters, however, Father Tolton had evened the score at 45-45 by the end of regulation. In overtime, the Lady Trail Blazers outscored the Lady Indians 5-2 to secure the win.
Russellville was led by Grellner with 16 points, and Matthews with nine.
The Lady Trail Blazers were led by Hope Wright with 12, and River Remis with 11. Lacy Stephen added eight.
Named to the All-Tournament Team were Russellville's Grellner and Matthews; California's Meleigha Caudel, Kamryn Koetting and Caitlin Meyer; Father Tolton's Hope Wright and River Remis; Belle's Lacey Clark; and Versailles' Bailey Croy and Duanna Frerking.
The Lady Indians (6-11) will travel to Eugene Thursday, Feb. 6. The JV game will begin at 6 p.m.