The GRC Lady Cardinals are headed to the Elite 8 to face reigning State Champions Sacred Heart, after a 42-35 win over the Corbin Redhounds Thursday.

It wasn’t the prettiest win for the Cards but in March, it’s survive and advance. 

The Lady Cards struggled a little offensively, only shooting 34 percent from the field and making 13 field goals. Brianna Byars shot 1-6 from the field for only two points. 

Defensively though the Cards brought it once again. They held Corbin to 27 percent from the field and forced 11 turnovers. 

The Lady Cards had a huge advantage in the paint and they used it. GRC outrebounded the Redhounds 41-25 on the glass which gave them many second chance opportunities. 

Freshman Ciara Byars used her size to her advantage to lead her team with 21 points. She shot 50 percent from the field, grabbed 8 rebounds and had two blocks. 

It was Kennedy Stamper, though, who was a huge key in the win for the Cardinals last night.

Standing a solid 5’4″, the 7th grader recorded a double-double in her first appearance at the state tournament. She finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

Coach Robbie Graham was thrilled with his point guard’s play last night.

“Kennedy stepped up and hit some big shots and definitely got some big rebounds,” Graham said. “Her play, along with some others, lifted us at some key moments. She is a very confident young lady and not scared of the moment. Hopefully that will continue for the rest of the tournament.” 

Senior Tyra Flowers was quiet offensively with only three points on the night but her presence defensively was huge for the Cards. She led the team in rebounding with 11, and led the team in blocks with 3.

GRC struggled from the free throw line, shooting only 54 percent on the game, but when it mattered most they were able to knock some down to keep Corbin from taking the lead. 

The Lady Cards will head back over to Rupp Arena tonight to face the tournament favorite Sacred Heart. 

The Cardinals will have a tall task ahead of them but can no doubt pull out the win. If they are going to want to advance to the Final Four though, they must protect the ball. 

GRC finished with 19 turnovers last night and Coach Coach Graham wasn’t too thrilled.

“Our turnovers were unforced and careless for the most part,” explained Graham. “We have to do a better job of valuing the ball. We’ve got to execute better and shoot at a higher percentage.”   

The Cardinal defense that has been playing so well of late is going to have to bring it again tonight.

Sacred Heart is extremely athletic, and can beat you on both sides of the ball. They can get up and down the court quickly and defensively smothering the ball and make it extremely difficult for opponents to create open shots. 

It’s a great opportunity for Lady Cards, and a fully focused, prepared team is a necessity tonight.

The game will tip at 8:30 p.m. at Rupp Arena in what should be a fun game to watch.