If there is any doubt that karma exists, all one has to do is review the numbers from the Columbus Christian victory against visiting Southside Christian to erase it.
After holding the Sharks to 3-of-29 shooting from the field in the first half, the Crusaders somehow still found themselves trailing 16-14 heading into the break.
Columbus Christian didn’t help itself any, committing 20 turnovers and missing several shots in close, but they could have taken much more advantage of their stellar defense. Luckily for the Crusaders, they found their shooting touch at the half and came away with their second victory of the season, 42-35.
After shooting just 2-of-13 in the first quarter, the Sharks (6-7) managed to make just 1-of-16 field goals in the second quarter. It was all Abigail Ridge for Southside Christian (2-11) in the first half. Although she only hit two field goals, she lived at the free throw line, where she sank 10-of-15 shots to total 14 of her team’s 16 first-half points.
Columbus Christian on the other hand, had trouble just getting shots. When it did find open looks, the ball wasn’t finding the net. The Crusaders netted just five field goals themselves.
It was the third quarter that turned the game around for Columbus Christian. It opened the half on a 7-0 run to take a 21-14 lead. The Crusaders came out with a full-court press that gave Southside fits.
The visitors turned the ball over 12 times in the third quarter and were outscored 19-11 in the period. Leading the charge for the Crusaders were Grace Lorimor and Elli Ridder, who each scored six points in the quarter, helping their team to a 33-27 lead going into the fourth.
After three quick points by the Sharks to open the fourth quarter cut the lead to 33-30, Columbus Christian’s Kayla Jones answered with a field goal and a free throw to up the lead back to six. A Ridge 3-point shot once again cut the lead in half with 3:48 remaining, but she fouled out just 10 seconds later, exiting the game with a team-high 26 points.
Southside would struggle without its leading scorer, netting just two more points the rest of the game. The Crusaders were able to close out the victory by scoring the final four points of the game.
Loirmor led Columbus Christian with 12 points.
