The Archbishop Carroll Lady Patriots pocketed their first state playoff win when they defeated Council Rock South on Friday by a final score of 61-42.
The Lady Patriots came into the game as heavy favorites, and showed why in their dominating win.
The first quarter got underway and Carroll came out firing, scoring 11 unanswered points to put the team ahead early. Carroll was able to continue to ride the momentum and keep its big lead with the score at the end of the first quarter being 17-5 in favor of Carroll.
The second quarter kicked off and Archbishop Carroll was still dominating the competition. Carroll was able to put Council Rock South in deep foul trouble the whole game, which was a displeasure to the coaches of Council Rock South, who were given a technical foul following a foul call. This foul was also the fifth foul on the point guard of Council Rock South, who had to leave the game because of the foul out. Carroll finished the second quarter leading 41-14.
“I thought we played well in the first half and our defense was strong,” said head coach Renie Shields. “We really finished off in the second half”
The Patriots defense was spectacular the whole game and was led by star Abbie McFillin, who was able to get on the board in every stat category but was highlighted with her 13 points and 4 steals.
“We knew coming into this game that this team played hard and that we needed to hustle and put the ball in the basket,” said McFillin. “We’re just having fun on the court and enjoying our time together.”
The Patriots’ scoring slowed down in the third quarter, but Alexis Eberz was able to find her shot, matching her first half in points and equaling 16 on the day. The Patriots led by a score of 55-27 going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Patriots staying laid back, not scoring many points, and giving the opportunity to the young guns to get in the game. Although the Patriots were slowing down, Kayla Eberz did not, playing stellar defense and pulling down rebounds the whole fourth quarter.
“We have to look forward; just keep continuing working hard in practice, keep grinding,” Kayla Eberz said.
The Patriots now look forward to their second round matchup against the Wilson Bulldogs of Berks County at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at Spring-Ford Area High School in Royersford, Montgomery County.
