COLDWATER — The Palace was the first stop of the Versailles Lady Tigers in their trek through the Midwestern Athletic Conference schedule for the 2016-17 season. Coldwater defended their home court well in a game filled with scoring runs and momentum swings, before a late 17-9 Lady Tiger rally finally sent them to defeat 64-55.
“Coldwater is one of those teams that never gives up,” said Versailles Coach Jacki Stonebraker. “They are a scrappy team…played scrappy, got stops and hit some threes down the stretch.”
The first quarter opened at a frenzied pace but few points were scored. When Elizabeth Ording converted a free throw with 3:31 remaining the score was just 6-4 Versailles. The Lady Tigers regrouped to finish the period on a 12-5 surge to take an 18-11 lead after one stanza, despite the relentless rebounding efforts of the Lady Cavaliers.
“We have to do a better job boxing out on the defensive board,” said Coach Stonebraker. “They destroyed us on the boards.”
Versailles extended its lead into the second as they pushed the margin to 12, at 26-14. Coldwater began to counter through the free throw line thanks to being in the bonus for nearly the entire period. The Lady Cavaliers closed out the half on a 10-5 run. Only scores by juniors Kami McEldwoney and Daneille Winner kept the Lady Tigers lead at 31-24 at the intermission.
The scoring streaks continued into the second half as Versailles opened with a 9-2 salvo that put them ahead 40-26. But when it looked like they may have gained control of the game, Coldwater undeterred went on their own run of 14-6 to close the quarter only trailing 46-40.
Watren then made her own personal 4-point play by converting two free throws, stealing the in-bounds pass and was fouled and converted the next two tosses to give the Lady Tigers a lead they would not relinquish at 61-53.
“Liz had a spectacular game, one emotion…doesn’t get too high or too low,” said Stonebraker. “She’s just doing what she does. Camille had some nice drives and layups.
Ording led all scorers with 15, followed by Watren with 14 and McEldowney’s 10 for Versailles. Kourtney Diller led Coldwater with 14 points.
Versailles moves to 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in the MAC.
Versailles junior varsity is now 3-0 with a 57-20 victory.
