The Lady Pirates 74-61 win over MCC-Penn Valley Wednesday afternoon propelled Coach Croy's squad into the Region 16 tournament championship game. The win improved the team's record to 21-9 on the season. This marks the 3rd time in the last 4 years the Lady Pirates have reached the championship game, taking home the title in 2014 and 2015.
"We jumped out to an early lead by attacking the basket and looking for each other. Our ball movement in the first half was outstanding. During the second half, we weren't quite as hot. However, we were able to maintain our lead and hold them off for the win," commented Croy.
Kendey Eaton put up 27 points to lead the way for the Lady Pirates, 21 of which came in that first half surge. Madison Gonseth (13 points, 18 rebounds) and Sarah Lamp (10 points, 12 rebounds) really controlled the paint. Jami Nickerson also contributed 13 points.
In the championship, the Lady Pirates will square off against rival St. Louis Community College for the 3rd time this season. In the previous two meetings, the Archers have gotten the best of the Lady Pirates. The game will be held at Jason Gym on the campus of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, with a tipoff of 1:00pm on Saturday, March 4th.
Coverage of the contest will be on Hot Country Z 101.7, with pregame coverage beginning at 12:45pm. With Tom Johnson covering the Trenton Lady Bulldogs in their quarterfinal action, a special thanks goes out to Chad Speakar, Voice of the Mineral Area College Cardinals, for covering the event for the Lady Pirates.