Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Associate Vice President, Marketing Communications, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

2/24/09
Story by Tyler Cundith

Lady Cavaliers' comeback falls short against Labette

Melissa Nelson

OVERALND PARK, KS -- The Johnson County women's basketball team nearly handed the conference leading Labette Lady Cardinals a crushing defeat on Monday night, but their comeback fell just shy, falling 53-58.

Trailing by 13 points with just over 10 minutes to play, JCCC began to scratch and claw its way back into the game, and with 1:56 remaining, the Lady Cavaliers pulled to within one point on freshman Katie Nietzke only 3-pointer of the game.

With 42 seconds left, Labette's Tercya Ferreira scored her 15 point of the game with basket, but JCCC freshman Melissa Nelson followed with a bucket for her 15 point, to keep JCCC's deficit at one.  Having to foul, the Lady Cardinals Kayla Rice calmly sank her only two free throw attempts of the game, then forced a JCCC turnover, which ended JCCC’s chance for a buzzer tying 3-pointer.  Two free throws by Shetiarra Pledger with three seconds provided the final margin.

JCCC ends its first regular season under coach Ben Conrad at 18-12, and 11-7 in conference play.  Conrad's 11 wins in the conference tie former coach Debbie Carrier for the most wins in team history by a first-year coach.

The Lady Cavaliers begin postseason action this Saturday, Feb 28, when the host Hesston College in the first round of the Region VI D-II Tournament.  The game is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m.