Shooting inconsistencies doomed the Lady Aces, as their quest for an All A Classic State Championship title came to an unceremonious close in the finals – a 60-42 loss to Covington Holy Cross. The Lady Aces shot just 33.3% from the field in the opening quarter and were 0-7 from deep in the first half, while the Indians were 7-10 from behind the arc over that span.
“They are really good and moved the ball really well. They shot the ball really well,” Owensboro Catholic Head Coach Michael Robertson said. “We didn’t shoot the ball well in the semi-finals, and it continued. The percentages were a better shooting team than that, so I figured that as bad as we shot in the first game, we would come out and hit shots this game. We didn’t.”
The first quarter was back and forth early, with three lead changes before Covington Holy Cross took a 15-8 lead into the second quarter. From there, the Indians were able to pad their lead, behind Alyssa Arlinghaus scoring eight of her game-high 21 points in the second quarter.
Trailing 33-15 at halftime, the Lady Aces started to rediscover their form in the third quarter, shooting 54.5% from the field. Despite that, they were unable to cut the lead.
“I thought at halftime that maybe we would come back out ready to play,” Robertson said. “We started off pretty good, and then they hit a three. Every time we would start something, they would hit a three, and it was very deflating.”
Owensboro Catholic also had no answer for Jai Johnson, who, despite battling foul trouble, finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Paige Arlinghaus was third on the Indians in scoring with 10 points, and added seven rebounds, and two assists.
The Lady Aces won the battle of the boards 27-25, thanks in large to Katie Hagan and Sophia Newby combing for 22 boards. The duo almost finished with matching double doubles, as Hagan recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds. She found success in transition, continuously attacking the rim and scoring on her own second changes. Newby, who finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, feasted inside, utilizing her height.
“I don’t know if I am going to see it this year, but they are going to be a handful next year because they have to get stronger,” Robertson said. “Those two’s motor, energy, and what they bring to this team can’t be stopped when they decide they want to take over. Sophia has been nursing an injury all year, and Katie is Katie. I like what I’ve got and what they give me.”
The Lady Aces return to action on Friday when they host Owensboro at 6 pm in a crucial 9th District game.
