Miller’s girls basketball team got off to a slow start against Nansemond Suffolk Academy Friday in the VISAA Division II semifinals, much like they did against Norfolk Collegiate in the quarters, scoring just five points in the second and trailing by five going into the break.
But with steady play and pinpoint second half free throw shooting, the Mavericks survived and advanced to the state final.
Lilly Riggleman led that effort at the free throw line, connecting on all 10 of her free throw attempts in the second half. As a team, the Mavericks were 15 of 20 at the charity stripe in the fourth as they pulled away from the Saints.
That allowed the Mavericks to overcome the fact that they only scored on five field goals in the second half. They built a slight edge after three quarters at 30-27 as NSA went cold offensively and managed just five points in the third quarter. The incredible third quarter defensive effort mirrored the Collegiate game as well where the Mavericks held the Oaks to just a single point.
Riggleman’s 13 points and Adrienne Darden’s team-high 14 carried the bulk of the load offensively, while Rachel Odumu chipped in seven points and Lexi Mallory finished with six on the night.
Jessica Pieroni’s 13 points led NSA offensively. The Saints also got eight points each out of Harper Birdsong and Kaylor Nash.
The Mavericks will face off against Williamsburg Christian Academy Saturday at 5 p.m. in the state final. Williamsburg Christian, the tournament’s top seed, held off Hampton Roads Academy 58-50 to earn the right to play for a championship.
