(February 25th, 2015): BRYAN – The girl’s varsity teams of the Fayette Eagles and Montpelier Locomotives met on Wednesday night for the Bryan Sectional Tournament. The showdown consisted of a compelling show of talent and flair from the opposing conference teams.
As the game commenced, the lady Eagles dismissed any hesitancy and ferociously attacked Montpelier’s defense; Junior Hannah Machacek found a working rhythm early on, shooting two three-pointers and a single two-point basket in the first quarter. Teammates Taylor Griffiths, Alexis Fruchey and Jessie Wheeler compiled 11 points together to assert a 19-8 lead at the end of the first. Fayette’s dominance continued into the half, adding 13 more points to the board to lead 32-15.
Despite the early assertion by the Eagles, the lady Locomotives were intent on not going down without a fight. Junior Hannah Blake led the third quarter rally by the Locomotives; Blake scored 7 points, acing both of her free-throws. Maddie Richmond also added two points at the foul line, with Breanna Stein and Baylee Hageman adding one three-point and two-point shot, respectively. Montpelier’s 14-point third quarter surged the team only 9 points behind Fayette, 29-38.
The last quarter of play would turn out to be crucial for both teams. While Montpelier’s Blake continued to dominate offensively, Fayette’s offense had no choice but to respond with haste. Totaling 12 points, 10 of which from free-throws, Fayette recorded a final score of 50 points. The lady Locos fought hard to take down the Eagles but unfortunately came up short in the battle, the final score 50-41.
Both the Eagles and the Locomotives took to shooting often; Fayette averaging 30% on the floor versus Montpelier’s 21%. At the foul line, Montpelier just outshined the Eagles, shooting 70% versus 68%. The Eagles fought hard to recover the ball defensively, accumulating 27 defensive rebounds while the Locomotives found success in offensive rebounds with 13. With 35 total rebounds, Fayette’s Kelsey Fruchey and Taylor Griffiths recovered an astonishing combined 19 rebounds altogether.
Fayette’s win advanced the team to play Wayne Trace in the Sectional Final at Bryan on February 28th.