Deja Vu For Crofton and Ponca

LINCOLN - In the immortal words of manager Lou Brown from the movie 'Major League' -- "One of these days, we'll figure out how to beat those guys." Ponca suffered only its second loss of the season, both to Crofton, as the Warriors survived and advanced to the C2 semifinals in a 41-38 instant classic.

It was also a repeat of last year's title tilt, won by Crofton. But it was all Ponca at the start, jumping out to a 7-point lead, thanks to bug buckets from the field and free-throw line by Samantha Ehlers (14 points on the day).

Crofton came clawing back with stellar steals from Jayden Jordan (7 in total in the game), and the Warriors cut the deficit to 22-21 at the break. The Warriors picked up right where they left off coming out of the locker room, notching their first lead of the game early in the 3rd and holding it for most of the 2nd half.

Ponca kept it close throughout, though...and a huge defensive play by Mattie Milligan knotted the game with 10 seconds left, stealing the inbound pass and laying in the equalizer. But the Warriors were undaunted, as Ellie Tramp hit a baseline pass to Ella Wragge, who cashed it with the hoop-and-the-harm. The ensuing free throw made it a 3-point contest, and a desperation heave by Milligan came up short.

Crofton (23-4) moves on to battle Hastings St Cecilia in the semifinals, while Ponca ends their season at 25-2.