Cedarville outlasts Central State, 84-81


CEDARVILLE, Ohio - The Central State Lady Marauders lost the opening game of the year to the Cedarville Yellow Jackets, 84-81, on Wednesday night.


The Lady Marauders jumped out to an early six-point lead before CU closed the opening quarter on a 9-2 run to take a 28-22 lead. CU outscored CSU, 20-15, in the second frame to take a 48-37 lead at the break. CSU battled back in the third quarter. An Abbigail Peterson three-pointer cut the deficit down to three with six minutes remaining in the third period. CSU remained within striking distance, trailing 62-56 entering the fourth quarter.


Down by nine with 4:37 remaining, the Lady Marauders slowly chopped into the CU lead and pulled within a possession at the 1:37 mark when Ciara Hardy hit a mid-range shot. After the teams traded baskets, an errand CSU three-point attempt gave the ball back to CU with 46 seconds left. With the shot clock expiring CU's Paige Garr hit an acrobatic one-handed shot to put the Yellow Jackets up by five with 15 seconds left. CSU responded with a Peterson three-pointer on the other end to pull back within two, 83-81. After CU split a pair of free throws, CSU's potential game-tying three pointer by Peterson hit the back of the rim and bounced out of the cylinder as time expired.


CU relied heavily on its shooting ability from the three-point line and free throw line. CU shooters combined to make 10 of 30 three pointers (33.3%) and 14 of 17 free throws (82.4%). CSU made seven of 22 shot attempts from beyond the arc (31.8%) and converted eight of 11 free throws (72.7%).


Led by Abby Freeman's 12 points and Kat Weakley's 11 points, the CU bench outscored the CSU reserves, 31-24. 


The Lady Marauders had three players score in double-figures. Peterson finished with a game-high 25 points. Katarina Maros finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Hardy added 10 points and eight rebounds.


Sweeny led CU scorers with 20 points. 


CSU will return to action on Saturday at home against Wayne State.


QUOTES FROM COACH CATHY PARSON


"Abby (Peterson) was tremendous for us tonight. She has been extremely focused and works hard to understand what we want her to do. I am proud of the way she competed throughout the game."


"I thought Lydia Sweeney was key in the outcome. She had an efficient shooting night and made some key shots when her team needed it."


"We need a few more players to step up in critical times. As a team, we are a young team and still learning how to win. It's time for us to get back to work and focus on being better as we prepare for Saturday's game against Wayne State."



INSIDE THE BOX SCORE


CSU sophomores Peterson (25) and Maros (12) recorded a career-best in scoring on Wednesday.


Wednesday was the 45th meeting between Central State and Cedarville. Cedarville currently leads the series, 28-17.


The schools are separated by 2.7 miles.