(Des Moines, IA) — St. Albert was able to go on a 8-0 run late in the 4th quarter to beat Exira EHK 45-37 in the first round of the Class 1A girls state basketball tournament.
The Spartans struggled early, only shooting 2 of 10 in the first quarter and trailed 17-8 at the end of one. It was the Saintes turn to struggle in the 2nd quarter only going 2 of 18 from the field and Exira EHK came back to within two points at the half — trailing 22-20.
St. Albert was able to extend their lead to 8 in the 3rd quarter, up 33-25 but Exira EHK came back again. Riley Miller started the 4th quarter with the Spartans first three pointer of the game and after a Saintes turnover, Taryn Peterson’s jumper cut it to 33-30. A lay up by Maeve Ryan was answered by Taryn Petersen’s three pointer to make it 35-33 and moments later T.P. tied it at 35-35 on a jumper in the lane with 4:57 left.
The Saintes went inside to Avah Underwood who was held in check most of the game but she hit two lay ups in a row to spark a key 8-0 run to make it 43-35 and that was good enough to win it.
St. Albert (22-3) was led by Underwood with 11 points, Brooklnn Rutledge had 9 points all in the first half and Elenaor Coughlin and Maeve Ryan each added 8.
Exira EHK (22-2) was led by Taryn Petersen with 18 points while Jaelynn Petersen added 8.
Post Game Interview with Head Coach Tom Petersen
