In a pivotal Division III East/Southeast District semifinal match held at Cambridge High School, the top-seeded Tri-Valley Scotties showcased their prowess and resilience, emerging victorious with a decisive 43-15 win over No. 2 Steubenville Big Red. The game, which took place on Wednesday night, saw Tri-Valley execute an impeccable defensive strategy that left Steubenville struggling to find its rhythm. Despite early promise, Steubenville's frequent turnovers and scoring droughts ultimately sealed their fate.

The Scotties entered the contest with a clear game plan, one that emphasized stifling defense and strategic offense. By halftime, they had already established a commanding lead of 20-12, thanks to a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter. Steubenville's first-half performance was marred by 13 turnovers and poor shooting accuracy, managing only four successful baskets out of 21 attempts. Head coach Angelita Forte acknowledged Tri-Valley's superior execution and physicality, attributing her team's struggles to the opponents' relentless pressure.

The third quarter proved to be particularly challenging for Steubenville, as they failed to score a single point. This scoring drought extended well into the fourth quarter until Lucy Saccoccia finally broke the silence with a layup following a midcourt steal. Meanwhile, Tri-Valley capitalized on their opportunities, adding 19 more points during this period to solidify their dominance. Nylah McShan emerged as the leading scorer for Big Red with nine points and also secured a game-high 14 rebounds.

Steubenville finished the game with a disappointing 5-for-35 shooting record from the field, while Tri-Valley demonstrated their offensive versatility with seven three-pointers. The Scotties' balanced attack and disciplined defense were key factors in their overwhelming victory. As the final buzzer sounded, it was evident that Tri-Valley's preparation and execution set them apart, leaving Steubenville to reflect on missed opportunities and the lessons learned from this hard-fought battle.