Nashville overcame a scoreless first quarter to battle back against the Breese Central Cougars on their home court and take their regional championship, 39-30.
Breese began the game on a tear, dominating the first quarter and much of the second with a 14-0 lead. Nashville was able to maintain composure and push through. Alyssa Cole made a three-pointer to put the Hornettes on the board. Korbi Rhine soon followed with a easy layup.
Those first points opened the floodgates for Nashville to put themselves back in the game, ending the first half on a 9-0 run to close the second with a score of 16-12.
The third quarter would see more of a superb offense and defense effort from Nashville. Cole made four consecutive shots to start the third, and Nashville lead as much 10 points.
The Hornettes kept the pace the rest of the game and kept the Cougars in check. Jordan Donato put up a good game defensively, putting up a huge block with less than 90 seconds left to keep the Hornettes up by three possessions.
Cole ended with a game-high 24 points and secured herself in the Hornette history books, taking the all-time scoring leader record with 1,557 points.
Halle Rueter ended with 6 points — all in the second half — while Rhine put up 4. Talanie Kozuszek finished with 3 and Reese Varel had 2.
Haley Ottenschnieder had 16 points for Breese.
Nashville (21-8) will play conference foe Carterville at home in the sectional semifinal on Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m.
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