Republic overcame a slow start and a mounting injury list to beat Springfield Catholic 56-19 to open the Pink & White Lady Classic in Springfield Friday. The Lady Tigers got a career-high 19 points from Kinley Kilburn in advancing to the tournament quarterfinals.
The Lady Tigers entered the night without Cora Cutbirth and lost starters Charlie Hagewood, Josie Stalzer, and Paelyn Gilmore to injuries before the final buzzer. The game began slowly, with Springfield Catholic scoring the first basket nearly three minutes into the first quarter. Republic did not score until Stalzer made a free throw at the 4:54 mark.
Kilburn’s first field goal with 2:30 left in the opening period gave Republic a 6-2 lead. The Lady Tigers took control from there, limiting the Lady Irish to seven points in the first half and just three points in the third quarter.
A 24-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters allowed Republic to pull away. The Lady Tigers’ defense forced 18 turnovers. Both teams struggled from the free throw line. Springfield Catholic made just 3-of-9, and Republic was 15-for-24.
Kilburn finished with three 3-pointers and was 4-of-5 from the line. Libby Steele added 12 points, including 10 in the second half, and Gilmore contributed seven points before her departure.
Republic (4) will meet Springfield Glendale (5) Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at O’Reilly Family Event Center.
**Score by quarters**
Springfield Catholic 2 5 3 9 — 19
Republic 8 9 17 22 — 56
**Individual scoring**
K Kilburn 19, L Steele 12, P Gilmore 7, A Berning 6, J Quessenberry 4, C Pullan 3, J Stalzer 3, A Brown 2
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