Eureka Falls to Webster 80-66

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Eureka women's basketball team struggled to keep pace in the second half on Saturday as they fell to Webster 80-66.

Webster set the tone early, as Emily Kerce opened the scoring with a layup. Eureka's Elena Redgate (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) quickly responded with a layup of her own to tie the game at 2-2. However, turnovers proved costly for the Red Devils, as they committed eight in the first quarter compared to Webster's five. Miya Webb (Indianapolis, Ind./Brownsburg) provided a late spark with two layups, but the Gorloks maintained control, leading 20-12 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Eureka battled back, outscoring Webster 23-19. The Gorloks extended their lead early with an Emily Wilson layup, but both teams struggled with turnovers, leading to a back-and-forth contest. Sierra Garcia-Reisch (Las Animas, Colo./La Junta) cut the deficit to 10 with a layup, while Webb sank a three-pointer at to keep the Red Devils in striking distance. A crucial 9-0 Eureka run just before halftime, highlighted by strong play in the paint, brought the Red Devils within four, trailing 39-35 at the break.

Webster regained control in the third quarter, outscoring Eureka 25-15. Webster knocked down an early three-pointer to extend their lead. Maxine Najera (Riverside, Calif./Hillcrest) made an impact with a steal and jumper, but the Red Devils struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter. Meghan Illingworth dominated inside for Webster, scoring multiple layups, including a key basket late in the quarter. Emily Wilson's free throws in the final minutes extended Webster's lead to 64-50 heading into the fourth.

Both teams scored 16 points in the final quarter, but the Gorloks maintained their advantage. Webster knocked down two free throws early, but Webb responded with a three-pointer. Fouls piled up on both sides, with each team committing eight in the quarter. Despite late contributions from Najera and Alyssa Abascal (El Paso, Texas/El Dorado), including key free throws and assists, Webster closed out the game with consistent scoring, securing the 80-66 win.

GAME NOTES

• With this loss, Eureka falls to 12-9 on the season and moves into a tie for 4th place in the SLIAC standings.
• Miya Webb led the Red Devils with 22 points, shooting 50% from the field, including four 3-pointers. She also contributed defensively with four steals.
• Sierra Garcia-Reisch posted 10 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, playing a key role on both ends of the floor.
• Maxine Najera delivered a strong all-around performance with 13 points, seven rebounds, five steals, four assists, and a block.
• Elena Redgate added eight points and four steals, providing a solid defensive presence.

UP NEXT

The Red Devils will return home to face Lyon on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m.