Crystal Lake South 36, Jacobs 31
Markie Rahn looked to be on her way to another one of her patented high-scoring efforts.
The Jacobs senior sharpshooter made 3-of-4 shots in the first quarter including two 3-pointers in scoring 8 points during the first 8 minutes.
Rahn was the reason Jacobs led Crystal Lake South 12-6 after one quarter of play.
To say that the Gators shut down Rahn the rest of the way is an understatement.
Rahn, who didn't score a point in the second and third quarters, managed only a fourth quarter free throw and ended the night with 9 points.
Crystal Lake South's stifling defense was key in a 36-31 win over the Golden Eagles in a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division in Crystal Lake Tuesday night.
Carly Juliano was the main defender responsible for guarding Rahn with help from Katie Burton.
"We knew Markie was a good scorer and we couldn't give her open shots," said Crystal Lake South coach Kyle McCaughn. "It is a testament to how Carly plays defense. She is long and lanky. She also did a great job of stopping dribble penetration."
After giving up 12 points in the first quarter, the Gators (18-7, 5-2) put the Clamps on the Golden Eagles during the final 24 minutes. Jacobs (12-11, 3-4), which managed only 19 points in the last three quarters, made only 7-of-33 shots from the field for 21 percent. The Golden Eagles, who committed only 3 turnovers in the first quarter, had 21 miscues in the final three quarters and ended with 24 for the game.
"Give South credit they played great defense," said Jacobs coach Ed Haugens. "But we didn't play with much effort. Our heads weren't in the game. We didn't do the extra hustle things and didn't play with much energy. You are going to have off shooting nights, but we didn't do the little things offensively."
The beginning of the second quarter proved to be pivotal for the Gators. Trailing 12-6 after 8 minutes, the Gators scored the first 10 points of the second quarter. Michelle Gaede's 5 points, which included a 3-pointer, along with 4 points from Jenny Hanrahan spearheaded the Gators' 10-point surge and gave the home team a 16-12 lead with 5:02 left before the half. Jacobs didn't score until a putback by Hailey Cnota with 4:24 remaining before intermission.
Crystal Lake South, which outscored Jacobs 14-5 in the second quarter, led 20-17 st the half.
The Gators kept the momentum in the second half and grabbed their biggest lead of the game at 31-22 after a 3-pointer by Juliano with 1:44 left in the third quarter.
Jacobs climbed to within 3 at 34-31 after a 3-pointer by Keri Bultman with 1:46 left.
But the Golden Eagles couldn't get any closer.
Crystal Lake South, which was plagued by 24 turnovers, were led by Gaede with 11 points.
"I hit my first shot and that is usually a good sign," said Gaede. "I had good concentration tonight. I was happy to contribute to the win."