Girls B-Ball: Mayo nips Tigers on late 3-pointer

Sofia Chadwick drives for two of her game-high 26 points (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers made up for their distinct size advantage with some gritty play but Rochester Mayo prevailed in the end, sinking a three-pointer with seven seconds to play for a 55-52 non-conference win Tuesday night at Tiger Gym.

Emma Korngable's 20-footer from the left wing erased a gutsy comeback by the Tigers who battled back from a nine-point deficit to twice tie the game over the final four minutes.

"I am really proud of the girls and the maturity they showed in clawing their way back into the game," coach Sondra Chadwick said. "We had some foul trouble and were under-sized but we didn't hang our heads.

"We executed well, especially in the second half. We got them to take the shot we wanted at the end and we got the shot we wanted on the final play."

Alicia Hett's long three-point attempt to force overtime fell short at the buzzer, just grazing the front of the net.

Farmington (0-1) led early 15-10 but eventually fell behind 31-22 at the half after the Spartans started taking advantage of their superior size and pesky zone defense.

"We spent too much time on the perimeter in the first half," Chadwick said. "We were more aggressive in the second half and that helped us get back in the game."

Abby Gallus 6 points, 4 steals (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Mayo led by nine points at 41-32 when freshman Kamryn Corraro and sophomore Morgan Mach scored back-to-back baskets that started a 13-4 run that would tie the game at 45 apiece with 4:20 to play.

"I thought Kamryn gave us a great lift off the bench tonight," Chadwick said.

The contest was knotted again at 52-52 on Sofia Chadwick's two free throws with 40 seconds to play before Mayo held the ball for Korngable's game-winner.

"There were a few first-game jitters and we missed a couple of bunnies when the game was tied," Chadwick said.

Sofia Chadwick, an all-Missota Conference performer last season, got her season off to quick start, scoring a game-high 26 points and handing out a team-best four assists. Hett and Abby Gallus each added six points.

Kaitlyn Gorden, who had her hands full inside with Mayo's size, grabbed 10 rebounds and Gallus chipped in with four steals.

Thursday the Tigers are back on their home court to host Rochester John Marshall, another team that relies on its inside strength.

"They have a couple of college recruits for post players," Chadwick said, "so we are going to have to be creative."