The Springer Lady Red Devils played toe-to-toe with Melrose for all but three minutes in the second quarter and that was long enough for the Lady Buffaloes to change defenses and go on a 14 -0 run to eventually tough out a 44-33 win over #8 seed Springer in the 2023 quarterfinals of the NM State Girls Class A Tournament, played at Bernalillo.
The Lady Devils were down 32-17 at the half after the big run, but cut the lead to six in the fourth. Lady Buffaloes Graci Odom was the difference maker as she had 23 of the winner’s 44 including 4 of 10 from beyond the three point arc.
Springer had balanced scoring with Fatima Levario putting in 7. Valeria Balderamma, Olivia Burton and Abigail Eppler each with six apiece, 3 points for Kyanna Rodriguez and Brenna Duran and 2 points for Naomi Rivera.
Springer ends their season with a 21-6 record and was coached by Jesus Urquijo and assisted by Albert Burton, Amy Urquijo and Angelica Montoya.
