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Riverview Richard avenges loss to Bishop Foley in 2014 semifinals, captures Catholic League C-D title at Calihan
Detroit — Riverview Gabriel Richard senior Natalie Loewengruber sat in the stands last year watching what could have been for her and teammates.
Last season Richard lost to Bishop Foley in the Catholic League C-D Division semifinals.
Loewengruber wanted to make sure that in her senior season she would never have that feeling again, and she seized the opportunity.
“It’s surreal,” she said. “We had unfinished business here. Last year Bishop Foley beat us to get here, and we didn’t win my sophomore year. I had to come here and watch them win. It left a sour taste in my mouth, and I was ready to come here and get the win today.”
Loewengruber led the way by scoring 10 points in the third quarter as the Pioneers beat Foley 37-26 to capture the title on Sunday at Calihan Hall.
“We put a different offense in the second half,” Richard coach Laura Guzman said. “We went back to what got us here in the first place, and the girls became more comfortable.”
Richard (8-7) employed a motion offense that created space and openings for the offense to take advantage after only holding a 10-8 lead at the half. Loewengruber said the attitude had to change for the second half.
“I’m a leader and senior on this team. I knew I had to step up, and change the dynamic of the game,” Lowengruber said.
The Loewengruber helped spark an 8-0 run by getting into the lane and making shots.
Loewengruber had a game-high 15-points and junior Mary Pizzo added nine. Pizzo opened the game with two quick baskets and opened the fourth quarter in similar fashion.
Bishop Foley, on the other hand, struggled to find its shot, and couldn’t get comfortable all game long.
“Our nerves got the better of us,” Bishop Foley coach Dave Joseph said. “We didn’t shoot the ball well, but we were in the game most of the way. We just couldn’t put the ball in the hoop.
“We did what we wanted to do defensively. We held them in the 30s. We just needed to score in the 40s. It was just one of those games where the ball didn’t go in.”
Bishop Foley (13-6) was led by Jessica Russo who scored eight points and Renee Fisher who added seven
