LocalSportsJournal.com

FRUITPORT — The Fruitport Calvary Christian Eagles are heading to the Division 4 regionals after a tough 37-26 decision over Muskegon Catholic on Friday night.

The game went back and forth for more than three quarters before the Eagles were able to get a lead and finish off the game.

The outcome means the Eagles are heading into next Tuesday’s regional semifinal against Kalamazoo Hackett. That game will be played at New Buffalo beginning at 5:45 p.m.

“We made a few adjustments in the fourth quarter and started taking the ball to the hole,” Calvary coach Matt Payton said. “This one was close all the way until the end.”

Down the stretch, that added aggressiveness led to some free throws, which helped Calvary put away the game.

“I was really proud of the way our girls battled for the entire game,” Muskegon Catholic coach Matt Callow said.  “It was a bit of an offensive struggle for both teams, but a lot of that was forced by good defense on both ends.  We had a couple of bad breaks late in the third and early fourth quarters and dealt with some foul trouble that allowed Calvary to take a big lead.”

Nora Pollock was the spark plug for the Eagles with a triple-double of 11 points, 10 rebounds and 11 steals. The 11 steals pushed her season total to 126.

“She gets close to a triple-double quite often,” Payton said. “She plays super hard all the time and she’s not very big, but she plays bigger.”

“I’m super proud of the girls and how fought,” Payton said. “Both teams played really hard and I’m just so happy for our girls.”

Calvary led 8-4 after one quarter, but MCC took a 14-13 lead into the half. Calvary led 21-20 heading into the pivotal fourth quarter.
 
Kamea Sutherland also hit double figures for Calvary with 11 points. She had five rebounds. McKena Wilson added 10 points and four rebounds.
 
Muskegon Catholic was led by seniors Carrie Ladd with eight points, Claire LaVigne with six and Natalie Rich with five.
“I am incredibly proud of how those three led our team all year, including tonight,” said Callow, whose team finished the season 7-15.
 
Photos courtesy of LSJ Photographer Michael Banka