Saturday, March 10, 2001
Today's girls regional title games
MERCY vs. BEAVERCREEK
• When: Noon.
• Where: Nutter Center, Wright State University.
• At stake: Berth in the Division I state semifinals Friday in Columbus.
• Players to watch: Beavercreek — Alison Bales, 6-6 sophomore center (15.8 points, 11 rebounds). Mercy — Siobhan Zerilla, 5-9 senior forward.
• Notable: Mercy, coming off a 47-33 victory over defending Division I state champion Mason, now draws unbeaten Beavercreek, the state's No.1-ranked team.
To reach the regional final for the third straight season, the Beavers beat St. Ursula 61-54 in overtime.
Mercy brings a 12-game winning streak into the game, last losing to Columbus Brookhaven at the Pickerington Classic in January. Beavercreek is 25-0 this season.
Both teams like the up-tempo pace, but in big games, the style of play often changes.
“The key is rebounding and defense,” Mercy coach Mary Jo Huismann said. “If we hold them to one shot and take away the 3-pointers, we'll be all right.”
• Quotable: “We've been lucky the past couple games. If we don't play better Saturday, Mercy will beat us.” — Beavercreek coach Ed Zink.
“Beavercreek is undefeated and playing like the pressure of the world is on them. You can't change too much in two days. We'll just go at them.” — Mercy coach Mary Jo Huismann.
WYOMING vs. VERSAILLES
• When: 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Vandalia Butler High School
• At stake: Berth in the Division III state semifinals Thursday in Columbus.
• Players to watch: Versailles — Point guard Lindsay Hemmelgarn, the Southwest District Player of the Year (13.6 points, 7 assists). Wyoming's Monica Hoyles will guard her. Wyoming — Maria McCarthy, 6-3 senior center. She has a size advantage inside, but has been hampered by an ankle injury the past two weeks. “There is no doubt McCarthy is a great player,” Versailles coach Tim Barga said.
• Notable: Wyoming beat No. 4 Highland on Wednesday night to advance to the regional final for the first time since 1997.
Versailles is Ohio's top-ranked Division III team in the AP poll. The Tigers (25-0) average 62 points a game and have a trio of good outside shooters in Hemmelgarn, Shanan Barga and Liz McClurg.
“Being the underdog takes all the pressure off us,” Wyoming coach Deb Gentile said.
• Quotable: “All throughout the regular season and especially in league play (CHL), we have been the team to beat. Now we find ourselves being the hunter and not the hunted.” — Wyoming coach Deb Gentile.
“We must break Wyoming's man trap, and that could be a challenge. They are an extremely quick team.” — Versailles coach Tim Barga.
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Today's girls regional title games
