By Allen Hilliard (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rogersville girls came into their quarterfinal match-up with Rolla looking to join the boys program at the Class 4 Final Four after they won their game against Sullivan in the first game of the day at Waynesville.
It was a defensive battle that saw the game tied at 18-18 at the half, but a 9-4 advantage in the third quarter would prove the difference on the way to a 45-40 win and a spot in the Class 4 Final Four next weekend in Springfield.
“We worked so hard to get this done. It’s a credit to the girls, they have done everything I have asked them to do in the four years that I have had them,” Rogersville coach Denny McHenry said. “We are one of eight teams to play today and that chance may never come along again.”
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While Rogersville is a senior-laden squad, Rolla is a young squad with all five of its leading scorers set to return next season.
“More than anything it gives us experience. We have regular season and post season experience. To get this close, I have no doubt that we will be here next year and ready to go,” Rolla coach Luke Floyd said.
Rolla finished its season with a 24-4 record overall.
Rogersville advanced its record to 23-7 on the season. The Lady Wildcats will face Lincoln College Prep in the Class 4 state semifinals at 5:15 p.m. next Friday at JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University.
