It was a tough start to the game for the Marquette Redettes, and TC Central got onto the scoreboard first after one minute of play. Kayley Elmblad nails three for first Marquette’s first points of the game. Just about a minute later, Kayley Elmblad drained another three-pointer to give the Redettes the lead. The score was 8-4 with just under four minutes left in the first, and the Redettes seemed determined to take the win. Keeping the scoring going, Marquette led 12-7 as the first quarter neared one minute to play.
First Quarter Score
Marquette Redettes: 12
TC Central Trojans: 9
The Marquette Redettes had an excellent first quarter, but the Trojans quickly closed to within one basket after the start of the second, forcing coach Ben Smith to use an early timeout. Broadcast announcer Luke G. noted how the Redettes were being severely hampered by their turnovers, and that allowed the Trojans to tie the game up at 14-14. Marquette managed to get the lead back soon after, but only by a single point. That single-point lead switched teams when the Trojans took the lead on their next possession. Finally, the Redettes got some breathing room late in the first half when they managed to accrue a 25-16 lead.
First Half Score
Marquette Redettes: 25
TC Central Trojans: 16
Avery Ledy drained another three pointer for the Marquette Redettes to start the second half of play, extending their scoring run from the second quarter. Scoring slowed down significantly in the third, but Marquette stayed well on top of Traverse City Central. It was 31-18 midway through the quarter, and the Redettes were having great success finding the bottom of the net. With ten points in the third, Avery Ledy was a big factor in the Redettes’ huge lead. As the buzzer for the third quarter approached, the Redettes led by an astounding 18 points, and that forced the Trojans to burn an early timeout.
Third Quarter Score
Marquette Redettes: 41
TC Central Trojans: 23
With only 8:00 remaining between the Marquette Redettes and a win, nothing seemed to be able to throw them off their game. The score was 43-28 with just over five minutes left in the game, and with a lead of nearly 20 points, the Redettes energy could be felt over the radio. Traverse City was able to regain a small amount of ground, but time was running out for their hopes. The Trojans’ coach was encouraging his players with incredible sportsmanship, but they trailed by 16 with about three minutes left in the game. With :45 left, the Redettes’ lead was at 18 points, and coach Smith took the opportunity to give the underclassmen some invaluable playoff experience.
Final Game Score
Marquette Redettes: 52
TC Central Trojans: 32