Lady Owls advance to Area tourney with wins over Cushing, McGuinness

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  • Elgin freshman Kelby Carter dives for the ball after a scramble with a Bethany defender in first-round action of the regional tournament. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE
    Elgin freshman Kelby Carter dives for the ball after a scramble with a Bethany defender in first-round action of the regional tournament. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE
  • Point guard Maycee Hill looks under the arms of  two Bethany defenders as she tries to find an open teammate during Elgin’s loss to the Lady Bronchos last week. HUGH SCOTT JR | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE
    Point guard Maycee Hill looks under the arms of  two Bethany defenders as she tries to find an open teammate during Elgin’s loss to the Lady Bronchos last week. HUGH SCOTT JR | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE
  • Elgin post player Danika Pendley attempts a shot over a Bethany defender during regional tournament action. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE
    Elgin post player Danika Pendley attempts a shot over a Bethany defender during regional tournament action. HUGH SCOTT JR. | SOUTHWEST CHRONICLE
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BETHANY — Elgin won two do-or-die games in a row at the regional tourney to advance to this week’s Area Tournament in Hennessey.

After losing 69-42 to No. 3 Bethany in the first round last week, the Lady Owls rebounded with wins over Cushing and McGuinness. Elgin handled Cushing rather easily 64-23 but had to fight against a stubborn Fighting Irish squad to pull out a 53-48 victory.

The wins put Elgin into the Area Tournament against No. 12 Classen SAS. The two teams played Thursday night, but the final score was not available at press time.

“I thought we finally started coming together (in the regional tournament),” head coach Brett Sanders said. “We look like a cohesive unit. Everybody played within themselves and depended on their teammates.”

Freshman Kelby Carter was Elgin’s leading scorer against McGuinness with 26 points.

The loss to Bethany was Elgin’s second of the season. In February, the Lady Owls suffered a disappointing 64-29 loss to the Lady Bronchos.