Lady Eagles Hold Off Rolla In Opener

Sullivan had to fight off a Rolla comeback Tuesday, but found a way to secure a win in their season opener.

Bria Jones had 17 points and hit a big 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Rolla couldn’t play catch up and Sullivan held on 59-55.

Eagles head coach Jason Merkel said Rolla was much improved from a year ago when his team bottled up the Lady Bulldogs 57-30 in the season opener at Sullivan. “It was a tough test in a tough environment,” Merkel said.

Sullivan was up by 10 in the third quarter before Rolla rallied to cut the deficit to one. The Lady Bulldogs took a lead in the fourth, but Jones put Sullivan back on top with a 3-pointer, making it 55-53. After Rolla tied it 55-55, Sullivan scored the final four points.

Sullivan led 18-14 after the first quarter. Rolla cut into the deficit with their free throws in the second quarter. “The fouls were lopsided,” Merkel said. “Rolla got in the bonus early and it helped them stay in the game.” Sullivan took a 26-25 lead into the half.

Merkel said Sullivan was playing a man-to-man defense against Rolla’s zone defense, which naturally led to more hand check fouls.

While he was happy with the way the offense performed against the zone, Merkel believes the defense still needs work. “They had girls who can score, but we had trouble rotating against the pick-and-roll,” Merkel said. “It exposed us right away.”

Merkel was pleased with the rebounding effort and forcing Rolla to take tough shots, some of which the Lady Bulldogs hit.

Up Next

Sullivan played Francis Howell at the Marquette Tournament Monday. The Lady Eagles will play their home opener on Monday, Dec. 4 when they host Waynesville.