Jags edge Cardinals late in tourney opener, 40-37

Falls Church’s Amber Ecelbarger scored 17 points to bring Falls Church from behind to a 40-37 victory over the Cardinals on Friday. Falls Church clinched their lead in the fourth quarter on a two-pointer from Grace McGuire.

It was a foul-shooting affair, with Falls Church going to the charity stripe 40 times while converting on 18 of their opportunities. The Cardinals 12 for 25 from the line.

Ireton led much of the first half, building a 7-5 first quarter advantage into a 20-15 margin at halftime. The Jaguars whittled away the lead during the third quarter, cutting their deficit to two as the game entered the final quarter.

Junior Cece Leone’s layup gave Ireton a 33-28 lead in the 4th, but Leann Loch responded with a bucket and Ecelbarger scored a basket and free throw to tie the game, part of a 10-0 run the host team used to gain a 38-33 bulge.

Illeana Gutierrez converted a pair of free throws and a steal for a layup to draw the Cardinals within 38-37, but the redbirds would not score again as the Jags added two free throws. Alex Stipano’s long range last shot was unsuccessful from beyond half court as the horn sounded.

Gutierrez led the Cardinals’s offense with 11 points, including five during the fourth period. Also putting points on the board for the Cardinals were Alexandra Stipano (7 points), Cecilia Leone (6), Isabelle Kendall (4), Danielle Hatchett (3) and Michele Montgomery (3). Frederick added 2 and Heather Pearson 1.

In addition to Ecelbarger’s 17, Falls Church had contributions from Leann Loch (10 points), McGuire (5), Kim Maltez (5) and Amy Rock (2).