by Cover photo credit to Jennifer Mahnic
We’ve said it all year long, the Padua Bruins have heart! They showed it again tonight with a gutsy road win at Woodridge. Alyssa Weber sunk a runner with four seconds remaining to help the Bruins win in thrilling fashion by a score of 45-44. These are the kind of games and shots that separate the contenders from the pretenders. Tonight, the Bruins proved once again why it is a bad idea for anyone to call them out.
Padua has been streaky on offense this season and you never know what you’re going to get from them but tonight they started off hot scoring 16 points in the first quarter to lead 16-10 after 8 minutes. Woodridge used the momentum and energy of the home crowd to storm back and tie at 24 a piece by halftime.
The second half would have more ups and down then a rollercoaster at Cedar Point as both teams felt the sudden death drama and intensity of postseason as Woodridge took a slim lead into the final moments before Weber and destiny struck to send the Bruins into the second round.
Weber led the way with 20 points, scoring in each quarter and sinking four from behind the three-point line. She was not alone however as it was a total team effort once again for the Bruins. Senior sudden sensation Arianna Pomirleanu continued to come of age tonight with 10 more.
Lyuba Majerle, when healthy ,has been an absolute force this season and she did it again tonight with 13 more. Rest assured folks, when this threesome of Pomirleanu, Majerle and Weber are playing at their best in unison, they are extremely difficult to beat. They have put the rest of the bracket on notice!
Also scoring for the Bruins was Mallory Keaveney. The leading scorer for Woodridge was Hoover with 18 points, including 10 of the 14 they had in the second quarter. The Bruins next play this Saturday against Tri-Way Wooster.
Congrats to the Bruins!
All I want to say is a big congrats to Coach and his Padua team. I have been watching coaches teams over the last 4-5 years and his teams are always ready for the playoffs. Coach will have you ready for your next game buy in and enjoy the moment the outcome will be worth it . This team reminds me of his time at Amherst when that group upset Olmsted Falls who was 21-1 at the time . This team reminds me of that playoff run. Believe in each other and trust in your coach ! Have fun and enjoy the ride !!