AHSTW Holds Off Underwood in Regional Quarterfinals, 49-37

AHSTW Holds Off Underwood in Regional Quarterfinals, 49-37 -

(2-17-26) – It’s said that beating a team three times in one season is tough. Doing it with short bench doesn’t make it any easier.

Underwood found that out as they went for a sweep of AHSTW, but saw their opponents jump out to a large enough lead that they couldn’t overcome as the Lady Vikes held on to a 49-37 win over the Eagles.

It looked early, like the Eagles pressure defense in the backcourt would be enough, as they got steals on three consecutive inbound attempts to take an 8-6 lead in the 1st qtr. But the Lady Vikes went on a 13-1 run that would flip the game in their favor. A Macey Goshorn steal and 3-pt buzzer-beater gave AHSTW a 20-pt lead after three quarters of play.

Goshorn, who finished with 10 pts, said her good shooting night started with practice.

“We've had a whole week of practice, so I had a lot of time to focus on my shot, and I just felt really comfortable.”

But Underwood battled back in the 4th, getting the first 9 points of the quarter and eventually cutting their deficit to 8, using the pressure full court defense that helped them in the previous two contests against AHSTW.

But after a timeout by Lady Vikes Coach Jason McCall, his team was able to break the press they way they had in first half, which slowed down the Eagles assault enough to hold on to a 12-pt victory.

Goshorn talked about the strategy AHSTW had about breaking the Underwood press.

“We just focus on being strong with the ball, knowing that we can beat their press, and that really helped us a lot tonight, just being confident in ourselves.”

Addison Carroll led the Lady Vikes with 11 pts. She said her rebounding allowed her and her teammates extra chances to score and maintain the lead.

“I focus a lot on my rebounding and trying to get my other teammates open and when I can get them open, sometimes that leads to mismatches. So, that's what worked for me tonight.”

Ainsley Roberts led the Eagles with 12 pts as their season ends at 9-13.

AHSTW (13-9) will face Riverside in the 2A-Region 7 Semifinals on Friday.

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