The REPORTER
University’s girls built a five-point halftime lead at Covenant Christian Saturday but scoring droughts to open the third and fourth quarters proved costly as the Trailblazers dropped a 39-36 decision.
University built a 17-12 halftime lead behind a strong defense, holding Covenant Christian scoreless for the last seven minutes of the second quarter. A Gabby Culp free throw put the Blazers ahead and baskets by Gabby Culp and Leah Norvell provided the halftime margin.
The Blazers did not score for the first 5:20 of the third quarter. Covenant Christian tied the game early in the fourth quarter but neither team scored for three minutes before the Warriors took a 20-17 lead. Gabby Culp broke University’s scoring drought with a basket off a Mack Feeney assist before Norvell gave University their last lead at 21-20. The Warriors led 25-24 at the end of the third quarter.
A Sydney Culp foul shot was University’s only scoring in the first four minutes of the final quarter as Covenant Christian built a 33-25 advantage after Gabby Culp fouled out with nearly seven minutes remaining. The Trailblazers battled back in the game. Nyla Blanding’s three pointer and a three point play from Sydney Culp had the Blazers within 35-31 with 2:34 left. Sydney Culp made two foul shots and Norvell scored to cut the lead to one. After two Warrior foul shots with 4.7 seconds left the Blazers were unable to get off a potential game tying three pointer.
Norvell led University with 12 points. Gabby Culp had 11 and Sydney Culp nine.
University will carry an 8-9 record into Tuesday night’s All County contest at Guerin Catholic.