Middletown Pa. – The Lady Lions came out strong and fast on way to an exciting 79-73 playoff win over the St. Elizabeth Eagles Tuesday night at the CUB. Harrisburg was led by strong overall performances by Mercedes Copeland (Reading, Pa. / Reading) and Amanda Moyer (Carlisle, Pa. / Cumberland Valley) that both were just one rebound shy of earning double-doubles helping the Lions earn a spot in the conference semi-finals this Saturday.
Harrisburg split their series with St. Elizabeth during the regular season with both teams winning their home contest. The game started out with an intense crowd getting loud as both teams showed a high intensity and speed of play. Advancing to the next round was the only option on the table for both squads.
After the first 9 minutes we were all tied up at 12-12. That is when Miranda Zeanchock (Carrolltown, Pa. / Cambria Heights) scored 7 of 10 points during a 10-2 run that gave Harrisburg a 22-14 lead with 8:20 to go in the half. The Blue and White kept the lead in check and finished the half holding for a well-timed Copeland drive to finish the half and go into the locker room up 39-30.
This game was far from over and St. Elizabeth showed true character in the second half as the fought to get back into the game. Harrisburg was able to extend their lead to 15 in the first three minutes of the second. That is when the Eagles slowly started chipping away at the deficit and after an 18-5 run were down just two points with 11:31 to play.
Harrisburg used a strong defensive effort to get some extra breathing room and increased their lead to nine with 5:55 to go. The Eagles were not done yet and after a quick 9-2 run were back within a basket of taking the lead with just 2:47 to play. Harrisburg showed a lot of poise in the end and converted their free throws to earn a hard fought 79-73 win over St. Elizabeth.
The lady Lions now will head to Lancaster Bible Saturday at 4:00pm for the rematch that they have been thinking and talking about all season, playing against the # 1 seed from the North the Keuka Storm. The Storm has ended Harrisburg's season the past two years and our Lady Lions are looking forward to redeeming themselves and earning a shot at a conference title. After tonight's performance every fan in the CUB has no doubt that this is not only possible, but just a matter of time.
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