The FCHS girls' varsity basketball team traveled to Massac County Thursday night looking to return home as co-champs of the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference Ohio Division, but the Lady Patriots played the role of the spoiler, outscoring the Lady Redbirds 20-13 in the fourth quarter en route to 59-52 win. By virtue of the loss, Herrin won the SIRR Ohio Division crown outright, finishing 9-1. West Frankfort claimed second place with an 8-2 conference record.
Lady Redbird head coach Matt Hampleman said the loss was not due to lack of effort, adding that his squad continued to battle until the final horn sounded.
"I'm so proud of the girls," said the coach. "They played their hearts out tonight. Even when we were down about six with 10 seconds to go, they were out there battling."
The game was tied at both halftime and the end of the third quarter, but Hampleman said the Lady Patriots' size eventually wore down the 'Birds.
"They have the luxury of being able to put four six-footers in their lineup, so we were outsized most of the game," said the coach. "They also did a nice job of knocking down their free throws late in the fourth quarter."
In the deciding fourth frame, Massac was 7-8 from the foul line to help preserve the 59-52 win.
"We just competed so hard," said Hampleman. "The girls have nothing to hang their heads about. We finished the regular season with a record of 20-5 and, for the most part, we're healthy heading into the Regional."
The Lady Redbirds begin play in the Benton Regional Tournament Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at the East Gym when they take on the winner of Monday's Benton/Du Quoin matchup.
