Marquette, MI – March 2nd, 2022 – The Marquette Redettes began tournament play this evening as they competed against the Alpena Wildcats in the District 1 semi final game. The game was broadcasted on Fox Sports Marquette 105.1-99.9.
1Q: The Redettes won the tip to begin semi final action but could not score on their first opportunity, Alpena on the other hand, scored the first points of the game for an early 2-0 lead. Marquette’s Maria Millado had an opportunity for an old fashion three point play seconds later, as she couldn’t connect on the free throw. After scoring alternating buckets, both teams began to play very slow towards the end of the quarter. Maria Millado led the Redettes with six first quarter points, as the Redettes trailed 10-8 after a quick first eight minutes of play.
Warmups2Q: Marquette had a sloppy start to begin the quarter, as the Wildcats were able to steal the ball three consecutive times. After scoring twice on the forced turnovers, Alpena led 14-8. Marquette Junior Brooke Logan was able to get the Redettes on the board, as Zoe Smith also contributed with two free throws. With just under 4:35 remaining in the half, the Redettes trailed 15-12. A few possessions later, Maria Millado was able to earn herself another shot at the old fashion three point play, but the free throw was missed. The game was tied for most of the remaining minutes of the second quarter, but it was the Wildcats from Alpena gaining the edge late. At the end of the first half, Alpena led 22-17.
3Q: The Wildcats gained possession to begin the third quarter, as they were able to score to take a seven point lead. Redette Siena Lingle earned herself a an old fashion three point play, but like Millado, missed her free throw. Scoring seemed to come easy for both teams to begin the second half, as both teams scored buckets on their next possessions. With under 5:40 remaining in the quarter, the Wildcats still held onto a five point lead. Maria Millado was finally able to connect on an old fashion three point play, but Alpena went on to score seven straight points to take a nine point lead. If the Redettes wanted to make a comeback, they would have to step things up defensively and take care of the basketball in the final quarter. After three quarters of play, Marquette trailed 39-30.
4Q: The Redettes started the quarter with another turnover, but thankfully Alpena was not able to score on the other end. Maria Millado continued to get physical inside the paint, as she sank two free throws to cut the deficit to seven. On the Redettes next defensive possession, Siena Lingle was able to snag the ball as she went on to set up Zoe Smith for a triple. Marquette started the quarter in the wrong direction, but certainly turned things around. With 4:35 remaining in the ball game, Marquette trailed 41-38. Marquette was able to cut the deficit to two as they had possession but couldn’t take care of the basketball, a crucial turnover gave the Wildcats the ball. Julia Ott had the block of the night as she gave her team the ball once again, after a timeout from Head Coach Ben Smith, the Redettes cut the deficit to one. With just under 1:30 to play in the game, Alpena had the opportunity to make some free throws, but the Redettes caused a jump ball. Maria Millado then gave her team the first lead of the night with just under 1:00 to play. Leading by one, the Redettes needed a huge defensive stop, but could not. The Wildcats took back the one point lead with just :26 seconds remaining. Marquette still had a chance to take back the lead, but turned the basketball over. Alpena was fouled and went to the line for a one and one opportunity, but the first free throw was missed. Marquette was able to corral the rebound and have one more opportunity, Maria Millado with the season on the line was able to get a shot off, but it was no good. Marquette’s season ended after a 45-44 loss to the Alpena Wildcats.
Final: Marquette 44 Alpena 45
Thanks for a great season Redettes!
