The Chadron Cardinal Girls Basketball team’s hopes of a state championship came to an end in the semifinal contest as the Lady Cardinals fell to Pierce 53-34 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Friday night in Lincoln.

The game started in a back and forth fashion with several lead changes throughout the opening 8 minutes. However, midway through the quarter, junior sensation Ashlea Kerr, who leads the Cardinals in scoring with 15 points a game, went down with an apparent knee injury. She did not return. Despite her absence, the Cardinals led after the opening quarter 12-9, in large part to Bailee Kerr’s solid play. She scored 10 first half points. The teams went punch for punch in the 2^nd quarter and the Bluejays led 24-21 at intermission.

The third quarter was not as friendly for Chadron as the Cardinals did not score until 6 minutes into the half. Pierce, meanwhile, took a commanding lead. The Lady Jays were in control 35-26 at the end of third quarter.

The scoring drought continued into the 4^th for Chadron as they were stuck on 25 for much of the final period, and eventually fell 52-34 to Pierce.

Junior Peyton Hinn led Chadron with 12 points; Baelee Kerr added 10 in a gutsy effort after watching her sister go down with an injury.  The Lady Jays were led by Rachel Wiedenfeld with 16 points, Rachelle Tucker and Jacy Bretschneider which chipped in with 10 apiece.

Chadron will play in the third place game against Wahoo on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.  Pierce will play Kearney Catholic for the championship game.

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