Summit Country Day came into the game with a 27-0 record but looked lost against Versailles’ defense. Danielle Winner and Elizabeth Ording dominated in the post, and several guards came up with big rebounds to help limit the Silver Knights’ shot opportunities.
“We just wanted to sit back on them on defense,” Versailles coach Jacki Stonebraker said. “We did allow some of our better offensive players to basically stand with their shooters and not move so much. We wanted to stay long and stay big.”
McEldowney scored eight of her game-high 17 points in the first quarter to help Versailles take a 21-7 lead. Summit Country Day switched to a zone defense in the second quarter and got a few turnovers, but it didn’t stop Versailles’ scoring. The Tigers’ led 31-12 at halftime and 40-20 at the end of the third quarter.
“We came out with a lot of energy and were able to score the ball and punch them in the mouth,” Stonebraker said. “We got them to set their plays up, and I don’t think they were used to that. As good as our scoring was, I think our defense really was the key.”
Versailles beat Summit Country Day by 17 points in 2015 in a regional final and went on to win the Division III state title. After the Tigers lost to Marion Pleasant in a regional final a year ago, McEldowney said the team was determined to get back to Columbus.
“Going back to state is just an unbelievable feeling,” McEldowney said shortly after cutting down a piece of the net. “… Bring it on.”
The key to cutting down another net next weekend?
“I just feel like playing with our hearts and playing hard,” McEldowney said.
Winner scored 15 points for Versailles (25-3), while Alea Harris scored 11 points for Summit Country Day.
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