PURCELLVILLE, Va. — Woodgrove opened up the state championship tournament with a hard-fought victory over Highland Springs, 63-55. Woodgrove is now 28-0 overall.

In a back and forth first half, the Wolverines found themselves tied 15-15 at the end of the first quarter. Woodgrove continued to play excellent defense and ran the court with great all-around play and excellent shooting. Woodgrove extended their lead at halftime to 37-26.

Highland Springs battled back in the second half — cutting the lead to just 3 points with 4 minutes to go. The Wolverines were able to hold off the surging Highland Springs comeback with great physical play, key shots, and dominating inside the paint. The Wolverine victory was led by Ashley Steadman with 22 points and Sadie Shores with 13. Other notable scorers were Jenna Steadman with 9 points, Anni Rohs with 6 points, Tara Mullen with 5 points, and Colette Baine with 2 points.

The big question in Purcellville tonight is will Ashley Steadman be available for Monday night’s semifinal vs cross-town rival Briar Woods in a rematch of the Regional Championship.

Ashley Steadman suffered a late-game injury with 1 minute to go in tonight’s contest and did not return. Coach Fisher was unable to provide an update on the injury at the end of the game.

When asked about his team’s play this evening he responded, “We gutted it out — it wasn’t pretty — but we’re happy with the result.”

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