It’s survive and advance for the Lady Cards after they pulled out a 45-27 victory over the Lady ‘Stangs of Bishop Brossart Friday night in the 10th Region semis at Nicholas County.

It was a revenge game after last year’s region semifinal loss to Brossart. The Cards struggled offensively in the first half but were able to pull away late and secure the win. 

It was all Brianna Byars to start, scoring GRC’s first six points to put them up 6-2 early. Coach Robbie Graham established the paint early as the Cards used their size to their advantage. 

Ciara Byars was a big presence early as well scoring seven points. Her and sister Brianna combined for 13 of the Cardinals’ 15 first-quarter points. 

Lauren Macht for the Lady ‘Stangs had the hot hand early, scoring seven of her team’s 13 first-quarter points. Bishop Brossart only found themselves down one possession after the opening quarter. 

Defense picked up in the second quarter, with each team only scoring one field goal the whole quarter.

It wasn’t until the two-minute mark when Tyra Flowers scored the first field goal for the Lady Cardinals.

Defense allowed the Cards to keep their lead though. Coach Graham’s press caused problems for the ‘Stangs all night. They were unable to move the ball and find anyone open. The Cards forced many five-second calls, but just couldn’t capitalize on the offensive end. 

Coach Graham said he was pleased with the effort his ladies gave on the defensive end.

“Defense and rebounding are what we hang our hat on,” Graham said after the game. “There are nights when shots don’t fall for sure. We were very pleased with our defense and effort tonight.”  

That smothering Cardinal defense forced 22 Lady ‘Stang turnovers and allowed the Lady Cards to take a 18-13 lead going into the break.  

Brianna Byars was in foul trouble early in the third quarter and then Ciara sustained an injury and was unable to return to the game. The Cardinals were going to have to play without their two best players for some of the second half if they were going to win.

The Lady ‘Stangs were able to keep it close after Olivia Lloyd knocked down a three at the five-minute mark that cut the Cardinal lead to seven, resulting in a Coach Graham timeout. 

Bishop Brossart cut the lead to five late in the third quarter and had all the momentum trying to pull off the upset.

Graham rolled the dice putting Brianna back in the game with three fouls, but it paid off as she scored a couple of buckets late, including one at the buzzer to put the Cards up nine headed into the final quarter. 

It was all GRC Cardinals in the fourth quarter as they outscored the Lady Stangs’ 15-6. At the 6:30 mark, senior Trinity Gay extended the GRC lead to 10 with the only three of the night for the Cards. 

Brianna had a great fourth quarter, getting to the basket at will and scoring eight points.

Her back-to-back baskets that put the Lady Cards up 14 with under four minutes left took away any hopes Bishop Brossart had for an upset. 

On a night where the offense didn’t play its best, the stellar defense by the Lady Cards allowed them to secure a spot in the 10th Region Championship.

It will be a quick turnaround for the Cards, having to play in less than 24 hours with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.  

“We will get them in bed as early as we can,” Graham said. “Mandatory ice baths, ice the bumps and bruises, and drink lots of fluids. We are playing for a trip to Rupp. That’s how we’ll get ready.” 

The Lady Cardinals will meet arch rival Montgomery County at 7:00 in Nicholas County.

It will be the fourth time these teams have met this season with GRC winning every one.

Coach Graham will have his Lady Cards ready to go for tomorrow’s  championship game.