Pella pops Pekin

PELLA - The postseason brought an end to the year for the girls basketball team at Pekin.

The host Pella Christian Eagles flew away from a 35-33 lead in the fourth quarter to a 45-34 lead to win 49-40 in the Class 2A regional game.

The visiting Panthers tied the first quarter at 11-11 but trailed 25-18 at the half, but closed to within 35-31 at the end of the third quarter.

Kerrigan Pope had 11 of Pekin's 18 first-half points and finished with 16. She had a team-high seven rebounds.

After putting up a combined 41 points on 15-of-29 shots in the last two Panther games, the Eagles defense kept senior Sophie Wittrock scoreless. She stepped up with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Other seniors on the Panthers are Erika Coleman. Kaylee Peiffer and Gracie Baetsle, who had two points.

Coleman had 12 points on 3-of-6 3-point shooting and 3-for-5 free throws. Peiffer had five rebounds and an assist.

Emma Phillips went 4-for-7 on field goals and 2-of-3 on free throws to contribute 10 points while snagging six rebounds.

Pekin ends the season with a 10-10 record. Pella Christian (9-13) advances to play at No. 3 West Branch (18-1) Friday. The winner of that game plays the winner of Van Buren County (15-6) and Iowa City Regina (11-7) Feb. 24.