Danville, KY----- Third time does not seem to be the charm as Centre falls to Berry 66-57

Berry jumped out early, going on a 16-2 scoring run with Centre making mistakes, and Berry capitalizing on forced turnovers, with Avery Payne providing the early scoring punch.
Centre struggled to get an offensive rhythm at the start but began to settle in behind Lilly Reid's activity on both ends, creating stops and second-chance opportunities. As the quarter progressed, the pace slowed, and the game turned more physical, both teams trading defensive stops.

Berry's fast start proved to be the difference in the opening quarter, keeping control and momentum heading into the second. Centre answered Berry's fast start with a strong second quarter, opening the period with improved ball movement and defensive pressure to close the gap.  Ka'Niah Edelen got Centre going early, while Reid continued to be disruptive on the defensive end, creating steals and extra possessions.

Berry leaned on scoring from Jade Lewis, Lauren Ellard, and Briaiah Lewis to maintain the lead, but Centre steadily stayed within striking distance by attacking the paint and converting at the free-throw line.

Midway through the quarter, Centre found a rhythm from perimeter shots by Ryleigh Campbell, who knocked down multiple threes, swinging momentum and cutting the margin to single digits.
Centre headed into halftime with energy in their favor after tightening what had been a sizable early advantage for Berry.  

Berry comes out of the half in firm control, responding each time Centre threatened to close the gap. Centre showed flashes of momentum behind Ryleigh Campbell's shooting and strong interior play from Tessa Miles and Lilly Reid, trimming the deficit from timely baskets and second-chance points.

However, Berry countered with balanced scoring from Elly Callihan, Avery Payne, and Lauren Ellard, while also capitalizing on Centre turnovers to keep a gap.

The quarter settled into a physical match as back-and forth stretch went for both teams, but with answer runs and key stops, Berry carried a solid advantage into the fourth.

Berry closed the game by weathering a strong fourth-quarter push from Centre, leaning on rebounds and timely free throws to seal the win. Centre made several runs behind Reid's aggressive drives, steals, and defensive pressure, cutting into the margin and forcing Berry turnovers.

Berry repeatedly answered at the line and with key buckets from Elly Callihan, Avery Payne, and Briaiah Lewis, while controlling the glass in crucial moments.

Despite the Colonels late surge of energy and hustle plays, Berry maintained composure down the stretch, knocking down free throws and getting defensive stops to protect the lead and take the win over Centre. final score 66-57
 
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