LINCOLN – A strong three quarters of defense helped give Southern Valley a 50-39 victory over Elgin Public/Pope John Thursday night in the first round of the girls D1 state tournament. It’s only the second state tournament win for Southern Valley and first since 2001.
Southern Valley struggled in the the first quarter on offense and rebounding defensively. EPPJ took advantage of the offense rebounds and early three pointers to give them a 14-10 lead after one quarter. The Eagles defense would stiffen in the second quarter, forcing turnovers and quieting the Wolfpack offense, holding them to only five points in the period. The offense found its rhythm behind aggressive guard play from Vanesa Aguayo and Adi Hunt, helping Southern Valley outscore EPPJ 29-14 in the second and third quarters. The Eagle defense continued to restrict EPPJ in the fourth and Southern Valley would pull away down the stretch.
In the win, Hunt led Southern Valley with 16 points and went 6-8 from the free throw line while also knocking in two triples. Aguayo added 15 points and also hit two threes. Brynn Baily chipped in seven points. The Eagles struggled at the free throw line, going 14-26. They also finished with 18 turnovers. In the loss, Ashlynne Charf led EPPJ with 13 points. Kate Furstenau and Keyera Eisenhauer each scored seven points. The Wolfpack finished 9-10 from the charity stripe and 14 turnovers.
Southern Valley will play Guardian Angels Central Catholic Friday morning at 10:45 a.m. from the Bob Devaney Sports Center in the state semifinals. Southern Valley has never won a second round game. Listen to the game on 93.1 The River and krvn.com. EPPJ finishes the year 22-3.
Listen to the game below.
