Lady Spartans edge Fayetteville Academy in OT
WES HIGHT/Dispatch Staff
Kerr-Vance's Rebecca Ross tallied six points in the Spartans' 38-32 overtime win over Fayetteville Academy Wednesday.
The first foray into overtime this season was a successful one for Kerr-Vance Wednesday against Fayetteville Academy.
The Spartans (9-5) outscored the Eagles 8-2 in the extra session, scoring a 38-32 win.
“We didn’t lose our poise,” said KVA coach Brian Russell. “We played really heads up in overtime. We handled the ball well.”
The Spartans bounced back from a two-point third quarter by outscoring the visitors 16-6 in the fourth quarter and overtime combined.
A Rebecca Ross free throw with 3:46 to play in overtime put KVA ahead for good.
Ahead 34-32, the Spartans forced a Fayetteville turnover with 27.2 seconds left that led to two made free throws from Rachel Ross to ice the game.
Russell said he was pleased with KVA’s man-to-man defense down the stretch.
“I thought we did a good job with that,” said Russell. “We frustrated them, they turned the ball over. I’m proud. I know they were tired, having to play man-to-man. It’s a good win for us.”
KVA led by seven at halftime, but trailed 26-22 entering the fourth quarter after being outscored 13-2 in the third quarter.
“They were pressuring,” said Russell. “Their man-to-man pressure on Rebecca (Ross) was really good. They were just harassing her.”
Rachel Ross converted a shot inside the paint to tie the game at 30 with a minute left in regulation. Ross had a game-high 14 points.
“She’s a solid outside shooter. She really has a good left hand,” said Russell. “She gets under the basket and gets that left-hand layup up there. She’s turned herself into our most consistent scorer.”
KVA hosts St. David’s on Friday in conference play.
1 2 3 4 OT FINAL
FAYETTEVILLE 2 11 13 4 2 32
KERR-VANCE 8 12 2 8 8 38
FAYETTEVILLE — Rebecca Gainey 6, Pratiksha Singh 4, Jane Schaefer 4, Lizzie Poulds 2, Jessie Keener 5, Amanda McDaniel 11
KERR-VANCE — Price Wester 6, Rebecca Ross 6, Hannah Abbott 5, Rachel Ross 14, Jessica Darnell 5, Cristin Abbott 2
Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.