HAYS – The TMP Lady Monarchs used a 10-2 first quarter run to build a double-digit lead and then held off Russell on their way to a 47-43 win Tuesday in the first round of sub-state at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.
TMP coach Rose McFarland
With the game tied at two, Kassidi Yost scored back-to-back field goals and Sophia Balthazor drained a three to spark at 10-2 run for TMP giving them a 14-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.
After Russell briefly trimmed the TMP lead to eight the Monarchs were able to build a double-figure lead again in the second quarter and led by as many as twice in the second quarter, the last time on a Jaci VonLintel layup giving TMP a 24-12 lead at halftime.
TMP built their largest lead of the game at 30-16 on a Balthazor field goal early in the third quarter.
Russell answered with a 10-2 run to close the third quarter and cut the deficit to six at 32-26.
In the forth quarter TMP built a nine-point on back-to-back VonLintel field goals only to see Russell cut the deficit to three with just over a minute to play on a Camille Dortland three-pointer.
TMP’s Megan Hamel added three free throws in the final minute of the game helping the Monarchs secure the 47-43 victory.
Game Highlights
Hamel and Emilee Lane each scored 10 points to lead TMP.
The Monarchs improve to 10-12 with the win and will take on the top seed Phillipsburg in the sub-state semifinals in Beloit.
The Panthers beat Concordia 68-53 Tuesday.