St. Louis, MO---- It ended in a close battle with Centre narrowly defeating Webster with a 66-64 win.
The game began with a fast-paced and defensive effort from both teams. Webster took an early lead with forced turnovers and converting steals into transition opportunities, but Centre responded quickly with strong interior play and rebounding to keep the score tied.
Centre went on a mini scoring run, with momentum fueled by Lily Reid, who scored in the paint and later hit a three-pointer. Her rebounding helped Centre take a brief lead.
Webster answered with energy plays such as steals from Akaela Caquelin and Miya Webb, followed by a Caquelin layup and baskets from Grace Hupp and Webb, to quickly erase Centre's lead.
The quarter ended with a feature of missed shots and turnovers on both sides, preventing either team from pulling away. The Colonels opened the quarter with strong defensive pressure and an efficient scoring offense. Baskets from
Isabelle Combs and
Tessa Miles, combined with rebounds from
Lilly Reid, gave Centre early control.
The control continued as Centre's
Tessa Miles steals and shot-making, along with repeated trips to the free-throw line, helped the Colonels extend the lead.Webster briefly cut the margin down behind a free throw from Grace Hupp, a three from Clarie Williams, and a layup from Emma Smith, following a steal. Each time, Centre answered with timed scoring.
Â
Lola Fouts delivered a much-needed stretch, scoring on a jumper, free throws, and a three to put a stop to Webster's momentum and reassert Centre's control leading into halftime.
Start of the second half, Centre came out strong with early threes from Clarie Russell and consistent scoring from Kaniah Edelen and
Trinity Armour, establishing early control. Webster responded with a surge of scoring plays from Caquelin and Emily Kere, causing a shift in momentum and narrowing the gap.
The quarter featured numerous turnovers and rebounds, with Lily Reid showcasing a dominating presence on the boards, helping secure extra possessions. Webster fought back with defensive steals and fast-break opportunities, tying the game.Â
Colonels regained composure late in the quarter thanks to baskets from KaNiah Edelen and a three-pointer from Campbell, which halted Webster's scoring run and preserved Centre's lead going into the final quarter.
It was a tense, back-and-forth battle for the final quarter. Centre leaned on Reid for scoring plays and rebounds, while Armour provided additional scoring support. Webster did not back down with late contributions from Hupp, Caquelin, and Smith, including a three-pointer that kept them within reach.
Centre countered with jumpers from Russell and a three from Campbell, while big defensive plays, which included blocks and steals from Reid and other teammates, helped preserve the lead to end the game.
Â
