BY JARED PORTER

After a lackluster defensive outing the night before in a 69-31 loss to Fair Grove, the Webb City girls team (5-5) bounced back Friday with a 52-49 victory over Springdale (5-4).

The Cardinals took a 4-3 lead in the early stages of the opening quarter and didn't didn't trail the rest of the way.

"I thought that our girls responded really well after the performance we had (Thursday night)," WC coach Lance Robbins said. "To come out and play a team that's as well-coached and good as Springdale, and to play with the effort and confidence that we played with, it speaks to the character of our kids."

Webb City led by as many as 10 point in the game, but the Bulldogs battled back in the second half to tie the game at 46-all with 2:44 left in the fourth.

The Cardinals held a two-point advantage with under 30 seconds remaining when Abby Brownfield blocked a layup attempt by Springdale's Jeniya Gause. Madeline Hayes grabbed the rebound and was fouled immediately, knocking down one free throw on the other end to bring the game to its final score.

"It was a big block and then Madeline Hayes secure a crucial rebound," Robbins said. "It was one of the bigger plays of the night for us, and I'm proud of the way our girls rose to the occasion in a big moment like that."

Keira Jackson finished with a team-high 18 points for Webb City while Hayes and Jaydee Duda chipped in nine apiece.

Joplin Globe 12/21/2018 (Used by permission)