Trojans squeeze past Greyhounds, 40-37

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

California played the role of spoiler Thursday night, delaying a historic night for Monessen. 

With Greyhounds coach Janine Vertacnik looking to reach the 300-win mark in her career, the Trojans had other plans, outlasting Monessen to capture a 40-37 Section 2-A victory in front of a large crowd on senior night. 

Cal (11-9, 6-5) trailed by one after three quarters and three early in the fourth before going on to outscore the Hounds, 10-6, in the final eight minutes. 

Jordan Cruse scored on back-to-back possessions in the opening two minutes of the fourth to give Cal a lead it wouldn’t relinquish at 34-33. From that point on, the Trojans just had to take advantage of their chances from the free throw line. They struggled, but they hit enough, going 6 for 16 from the stripe in the final 5:45 of the game. 

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