Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball falls short against Ursuline
After a knock-down, drag-out battle between the Royals and Raiders, the Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team came up two points short of upsetting the top 10-ranked Ursuline team, which won 53-51 Feb. 15 in Georgetown.
Senior guard Gracie Fetterman scored 19 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished off six assists and snagged a steal. Evelyn Jensen garnered 13 points, grabbed four rebounds, assisted on two baskets and blocked a shot. Senior Kandice Schlabach hit for 11 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Ainsley Bell tallied seven points, one rebound, two assists, one steal and a block. Tess Kwiatkowski grabbed four rebounds and a steal.
“When we went man-to-man tonight, I think it changed the perspective of the game,” Bell said. “Ursuline was used to seeing us in all of our zone defenses, so I don’t think they were prepared for it. I think this game will give me confidence to shoot more and drive to the paint knowing that I have extra help on the outside if I have to give it up.”
The Royals ended the first quarter up one point and were ahead three points at the half.
“Ursuline has a very good defense,” Fetterman said. “They close down the paint very well, so we had to work on off-ball screens and just trying to find a cut. I thought we did very well doing it.”
Fetterman played with four fouls for the last seven minutes of the game, when she scored nine of her 19 points.
“I knew I had to play tough defense no matter what and just stick to my girl,” she said. “They are a fast-paced offense and they create open lanes. I just had to do what I could and not foul.”
Royals head coach Jedidiah Roach was happy despite the two-point loss.
“I’m thinking of this as a win,” he said. “I told the girls that even though we lost, I’m ecstatic. I’ve seen the growth from scheduling the Conrads, the Saint Mark’s, the Paduas, the Tatnalls and the Ursulines.”
The Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference canceled its season, so the Royals were forced to schedule tough upstate schools to fill their schedule.
“I’ve seen maturity,” Roach said. “I see everyone coming together and getting better, and I’m feeling confident for the tournament. I think we could shock some teams.”
The Royals host Caravel Thursday, Feb. 18, for Senior Night. The Bucs defeated the Royals in their first meeting Feb. 8.
