Girls Basketball: Trinity gets after New Trier in final game of Sweet 16

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Updated: February 2, 2012 4:10PM

There is a reason why the Trinity Blazers stand at 22-1. They are an aggressive team that comes after foes.

On Saturday night, that opponent was New Trier in the final game of the Sweet 16 Tournament held at Lake Zurich. And by the end of the third quarter, this game looked out of hand. After two free throws from Trinity sophomore Lauren Prochaska, the Blazers’ lead was a commanding 47-31.

New Trier came back, shrinking the lead to single digits but Trinity prevailed 54-45.

“We are so excited,” said Trinity coach Eddie Stritzel. “Our schedule has been just brutal but the kids have been absolutely terrific. And we feel we are getting better.”

It was still a game at halftime. New Trier star Maggie Lyon (21 points) had 11 points at the break and the Trevians (17-8) trailed 32-25

Trinity’s Megan Podkowa (14 points) went to work on offense and the Blazers’ defense stalled the New Trier offense in the third quarter. Lyon and Alexa Czyzynski landed three-pointers and that was the extent of the New Trier offense. Trinity won this quarter 16-6.

New Trier coach Teri Rodgers has seen her club struggle in the third quarter before.

“I’ve racked my brain,” Rodgers said. “It’s been really frustrating.”

Seemingly out of this game, Lyons took it upon herself to drive to the hoop in the fourth quarter. The senior got her points but Stritzel felt his team made her work for every point. He gave the job of defending the 6-foot-1 guard to 6-0 senior Alyssa Dingler.

“She held Maine South’s Michelle Maher to no points,” he said. “Lyon got her points but her field-goal percentage was down.”

Trinity had a good start in this contest. Podkowa’s drive to the hoop gave the Blazers a 14-5 lead halfway through the first quarter.

“Megan is fun to watch,” Rodgers said. “She’s a nice player. And they have a great supporting cast.”

The Blazers had scoring help from Taylor Nazon (11 points), Mikayla Leyden (9 points) and Prochaska (9 points). New Trier had contributions from Meg Rosinski (6 points) and Briget Leuter (5 points).