The REPORTER
University girls opened play in the Carroll Tournament by dropping a 76-53 decision to the host Cougars.
The Trailblazers started fast, leading by eight points early in the second quarter before foul trouble piled up. Playing with a short bench, University could not overcome a 17 free-throw attempt advantage for Carroll.
The Blazers made five three pointers in the first quarter, opening up a 17-11 advantage. Gabby Culp hit three triples and Nyla Blanding added two. A Blanding three pointer early in the second quarter gave University a 20-12 lead with seven minutes left in the half. University made just one more field goal the rest of the half as Carroll tied the game at 24 with 1:45 left before taking the lead for good with 30 seconds left in the second quarter. Carroll led 28-26 at halftime.
University trailed just 44-38 late in the third quarter before two starters fouled out. A 12-3 spurt by the Cougars put the game away.
Blanding had a career-high 19 points to lead University. Leah Norvell had 15 points. Gabby Culp had 11 points and Sydney Culp eight.
University is now 4-8 on the season and will play Tipton at 11 a.m. today in the consolation bracket. The Blazers will play for fifth or seventh place later in the day.
