LANCASTER, Ohio -- The #9 ranked Fairfield Union Falcons and Bloom Carroll Bulldogs met Friday night in a battle for the MSL championship. Coming into the game, Bloom Carroll had the opportunity to force a three way tie atop the standings with Fairfield Union and Teays Valley. Both teams battled for four quarters but the Falcons came out victorious with a 42-33 win, securing the MSL title outright. 

Fairfield Union started the game on a 6-0 run thanks to three pointers by seniors Brooke Holt and Addison Sharp. Bloom Carroll finally got on the scoreboard and answered with two threes of their own by sophomores Marissa Wilkinson and Emily Bratton. Both teams failed to score the remainder of the quarter and went into the second tied 6-6. 

The Falcons opened the second with four straight points; a drop step and score by junior Isabella Neal and a steal and score from senior Hannah Rauch. Senior Reese Pittman stopped the bleeding with a single free throw before Wilkinson connected on her second three of the game, tying things at 10. 

Junior Nicole Terry entered the game in the middle of the quarter and gave Fairfield Union a much needed spark off the bench. In the span of a couple minutes, she scored six points, giving the Falcons a 17-12 lead. Pittman drained two free throws to cut the lead before halftime. Heading into halftime, Fairfield Union led 17-14.

Both teams struggled to score until Fairfield Union broke things open with just over four minutes to play in the quarter with a three by senior Claire Cooperider. Pittman answered with another three for the Bulldogs. Sharp’s put back stretched the Falcon lead momentarily before Pittman answered again, this time with a right handed drive. 

Sophomore Elly Lewis connected on a floater for the Falcons and junior Alyssa Brown drained a three from the left side for Bloom Carroll to cut the lead. Fairfield Union scored five straight points, including a momentum swinging and-one from Rauch, but Wilkinson sank two free throws just before the end of the quarter. With one period to play and their sights on an MSL title, Fairfield Union led 29-24. 

Bloom Carroll managed to pull within four points to start the quarter but the Falcons responded and scored five straight points. Back to back baskets by Brown cut the lead to five midway through the period but it was too little, too late for the Bulldogs. Rauch hit a three from the corder and Terry finished on the right side to extend the lead again. 

Brown converted off of an offensive rebound and Bloom Carroll was forced to start fouling. Rauch connected on one of three attempts but an offensive rebound on the third all but sealed the game. Bloom Carroll really struggled with Fairfield Union’s defensive pressure throughout the game and it really took a toll on their legs in the fourth quarter.

Terry led the victorious Falcons with 12 and Rauch added nine. Pittman scored 13 in the loss for the Bulldogs. Brown added nine and Wilkinson scored 8. 

Let’s take a look at Friday’s top performers.

Nicole Terry (5’10 F / Fairfield Union / 2023) - Terry was the difference maker in the second quarter for the Falcons, scoring six points late. Her presence in the paint was felt and a major roadblock for Bloom Carroll. She finished strong through contact, mostly on the right side and moved extremely well without the ball in pursuit of offensive rebounds. She has a high motor and is extremely competitive. There is no doubt she is one of the players that makes this Fairfield Union squad so successful. 

Hannah Rauch (5’5 G / Fairfield Union / 2022) - Rauch played a fantastic game on both ends of the floor. We were most impressed with her defensive effort on sophomore standout Emily Bratton, holding her to just three points. Her quickness was greatly felt in the run and jump defense that the Falcons deployed and she forced several turnovers. She drained a big time three pointer from the right corner to put the game out of reach late in the fourth and sank a free throw in crunch time. She is a great leader and the team plays with a different energy with Rauch on the floor.

Christian Thompson (5’10 G / Fairfield Union / 2025) - Thompson was in a bit of foul trouble Friday but we really liked what we saw from the freshman. She plays tough defense, makes athletic plays and shoots the ball very well. She sank a three early in the fourth to push the lead. She is gaining valuable experience this year and could develop over into a great player in the coming seasons.

Reese Pittman ( G / Bloom Carroll / 2022) - Pittman was the leader for the Bulldogs Friday and when the going got tough, Pittman got going. She is a solid defender, consistent rebounder and has a high motor. She was a much needed offensive spark in the second quarter, getting to the free throw line on drives to the basket. Her presence continued in the third where she sank a three and converted on a right handed layup. Her leadership and consistent play will help Bloom Carroll make a good tournament run this postseason.

Marissa Wilkinson ( G / Bloom Carroll / 2024) - Though just a sophomore, Wilkinson carried the majority of the ball handling duties Friday and handled the task like a veteran. She easily controls the ball and uses a variety of moves to change speed and direction. She is a fantastic shooter and knocked down another two threes in Friday’s game. If Wilkinson can connect on one or two drives during the game, she will really start to open up the three point line for herself. She has a very bright future with two seasons to play at Bloom Carroll.