Lady Colts Can’t Overcome Big Deficit

AMBRIDGE – The Lady Colts fought back valiantly against top-seeded Hopewell, but couldn’t climb out of a big hole they dug in the first quarter of their WPIAL semifinal playoff Wednesday night.

The Vikings opened up a 17-0 lead to start the game beforescored their first points 34 seconds in the second quarter. But the Lady Colts turned the tables on Hopewell in the second half and were within six points late in the game before falling short.

“We dug ourselves a pretty big hole that was too hard to get out of,” coach Spencer Stefko said.

had chances under the hoop, but could not make shots and turned the ball over frequently over.

Hopewell’s star guard, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, scored 15 of her 22 points in the first half. She was dominant inside and able to create critical turnovers on inbound passes and under the hoop.

“That’s a big time college player,” Stefko said of the junior. “She’s about as good of a player as this area has seen.”

But that horrendous 17-0 start in the first quarter became a fast turnaround after halftime. The Lady Colts started on a 9-0 run in the third quarter and did not let Hopewell score until 1:30 left in the period.

Chartiers Valley had momentum going into the final period and pulled within 6 points with 5 minutes remaining. But the No. 1 ranked Vikings were able to keep the ball away from the Lady Colts, who had too many fouls to give away and couldn’t get the ball back to finish the comeback. Hopewell sealed the game with foul shots.

Still, Stefko said he was happy with how the girls responded and that they outscored Hopewell in the final three quarters.

“I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Stefko said of his team’s comback. “I’m as proud of them in defeat as I would’ve been in victory.”

Lady Colts – 0-11-11-11
Hopewell – 17-9-4-10

Kristin McGeough – 8 points
Kristina Coyne – 7 points
Jenna Devinney – 6 points
Mariah Wells – 6 points
Alexa Golden – 6 points

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