The York Dragonettes defeated Loretto Friday morning 43-41 to advance to the Class 2A State Championship.
York’s first quarter would see the Dragonettes go on an 8-0 run to take the lead. They would win the first quarter by two points, leading 12-10. The second quarter would see York extend their lead to six before Loretto went on an 8-1 run to take a one point lead. Both teams would trade leads to end the half, with York heading to the locker room with a two point lead.
Both teams would continue trading leads in the third. Three total lead changes ended with Loretto in front 34-33 after York had extended the lead earlier in the quarter to as much as seven.
After an Emma Cooper layup gave York the lead back to start the fourth, Loretto went on a 7-2 run to acquire a four point lead. York then held Loretto scoreless for the final 4:14 of the game, scoring thew final six points and turning Loretto over five times during that stretch.
Emma Pile led York in scoring for the second straight game with 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting and 4 of 7 shots made from three. Emma Cooper added 11 points and seven rebounds.
York will advance to their third state championship in the last five seasons. The previous two saw the Dragonettes fall to Westview. York defeated Westview on Wednesday to advance to the state semifinals.