Lady Eagles Grind Out Win Over MICDS

Offense was at a premium Thursday at MICDS.

Sullivan had to rely on their defense to fend off the Rams and grind out a 34-30 non-conference win.

Thursday’s game was the first meeting between the two programs since last season’s Class 4 sectional at Kirkwood High School.

MICDS ended Sullivan’s season in overtime. The Lady Eagles (10-4) were able to take a small measure of revenge as they rolled to their third straight win and sixth in the last seven games.

Sullivan is 9-2 since November 30 and their only losses have come against state-ranked opponents Helias and Jefferson City, the latter being the top-ranked team in Class 5.

Lady Eagles head coach Jordan Flora said MICDS (8-7) isn’t the same powerhouse it was last year, but that the Rams are still a difficult.

“Any time you can go to MICDS and get the win you’re happy,” said Flora, whose team is mauling opponents defensively. “They are completely different, but we still had to get after it. It was a good win for the girls.”

Both teams came into Thursday’s game holding their foes to just 38 points per game. Sullivan limited the Rams to just 13 points in the first half and held a narrow 16-13 lead. MICDS outscored the Lady Eagles in the third quarter and Sullivan’s lead was tightened to 23-22. They were able to withstand a late charge by the Rams and escape with a hard-fought victory.

“(MICDS) really picked up the intensity on the press,” Flora said. 

Sullivan allowed just four players to score, led by Zaire Harrell’s 12 points. Flora said the defensive effort was a continuation of what the team has focused on since the beginning.

“Defense is what we have been preaching the whole year,” Flora said. “I couldn’t be more proud of their effort.”

Sullivan attempted to keep the winning streak alive Tuesday when they hosted Parkway South. The week ends with a trip to Nixa.

One of Sullivan’s bigger tests comes Monday, January 28 when they host Hermann in their Four Rivers Conference opener.

Hermann is 14-2 this season.