The Lady Cavaliers were hoping the third time was the charm when they traveled to Fayette County for a Division 2 Sectional semifinal. The Lady Lions had beaten Chillicothe twice during the regular season, both close games.
The Chillicothe girls fell behind early and trailed by seven points at halftime, primarily because the Lady Blue Lions owned the offensive boards.
The Lady Cavs came out the second half and began to understand the physicality of the game. Chillicothe got to within one or two points and a chance to take the lead on at least seven possessions in the second half, but could never take the lead.
Washington CH was finally able to drop in a couple of free throws (6 in the fourth quarter) to hold off the Cavs. The Lions advance to the sectional finals on Thursday at #1 seed Sheridan.
Chillicothe had balanced scoring on the night. Sophomores Jacey Harding and Avery Erslan each had 9 points. Emma Barnes added 7 and Emma Fromm had 3, and Paige Huggins 2.
Washington CH was led by Jaleeya Smith with 11 and Emily Semler with 8.
The Lady Cavs shot 9 of 37 from the floor, including 1 of 7 on threes. Chillicothe was 7-11 from the charity stripe. The Cavs turned the ball over 7 times in the first quarter but settled down and only committed 3 turnovers the rest of the night.
The Blue Lions (6-13) hit 14 of 38 shots for 37%, including 0-8 on three pointers. The winners were 6-13 from the foul line.
Chillicothe (6-13) may make up a postponed game against Hillsboro on Saturday TBD.