It’s today’s quarterfinals for Shepherd
SHEPHERDSTOWN— Shepherd broke free from visiting Bluefield as soon as the second half began. Going on an extended 23-3 run, the Lady Rams pushed the Big Blues out of the WVIAC women’s tournament with a 72-40 first-round win over the 13th-seeded entry.
Shepherd held only a one point lead at the half but then outscored the Big Blues, 47-16, in the second half to advance to today’s (Wednesday) tournament quarterfinals in Charleston against fifth-seeded Fairmont.
A distinct 59-28 rebounding advantage buoyed Shepherd.
Shepherd carried a 19-10 overall record against Fairmont, while the Big Blues bowed out with a 7-22 overall record.
Emily Daniel had a Shepherd-high 13 rebounds with Katie Biggs collecting nine rebounds with Shelby Fayak also contributing nine rebounds.
All 12 Shepherd players received playing time and the revolving lineup partially was responsible for the 24 turnovers the Lady Rams committed. Bluefield had 20 turnovers.
Shepherd was 17-for-31 (54.8 percent) from the field in the breakaway second half.
The other six first-round games saw Concord thrash Wheeling Jesuit, 85-57; Glenville hammer Alderson-Broaddus, 85-56; Fairmont edge Ohio Valley, 73-66; Davis & Elkins escape West Virginia State, 66-64; Charleston go on the road to eliminate Pitt-Johnstown, 56-51; and West Liberty get a 71-62 road win at Seton Hill.
