Falling 66-32 in the Hermann Invitational Girls Basketball Tournament semifinals to eventual champion Lutheran St. Charles, Ashley Aaron’s Lady Bearcats looked to end their week on a winning note Friday night in the third-place game against Liberty’s (Wentzville) Lady Eagles.

Tied at 7-7 after one quarter and deadlocked at 16-16 entering halftime, Hermann edged the Lady Eagles 10-9 in the third quarter to take a slim 26-25 lead into the fourth quarter.

Able to win the fourth quarter 15-13, Hermann captured third-place hardware following a 41-38 victory over Liberty.

Catching fire after a cold first half, senior Kealie Lane led the Lady Bearcats scoring 14 of her game-high 17 points in the second half.

Andrea Van Booven added five of her seven points in the second half while Brynlee Ash scored four of her six points also in the second half.

Kalli Landolt chipped in four points while Kimber Hale splashed home a second-quarter 3-pointer for three points.

Victoria Van Booven and Madyson Yates rounded out the Lady Bearcat scoring in the third-place game with two points apiece.

“I’m proud of our girls for battling through a close game and coming out on top,” Aaron said. “This win will give us a much-needed confidence boost heading into the (Four Rivers) conference portion of our schedule.

Hermann vs. Lutheran St. Charles

Edging Montgomery County’s Lady Wildcats 39-38 in first-round action last Wednesday night, Aaron’s Lady Bearcats advanced to the championship semifinals against the top-seeded Lutheran St. Charles Lady Cougars.

Trailing 17-8 after one quarter, Hermann could not overcome the Lady Cougars outscoring them 20-7 in the second quarter of their 66-32 loss.

Andrea Van Booven led the Lady Bearcats with 12 followed closely by Lane with nine points.

Landolt added four of her six points in the second half while Hale hit a fourth-quarter 3-pointer for he three points.

Ash hit a pair of first-quarter free throws to account for her two points against the Lady Cougars.

Hermann vs. Montgomery County

Dropping a 49-44 decision to Montgomery County’s Lady Wildcats during the South Callaway Girls Basketball Tournament, Hermann’s Lady Bearcats got their shot at revenge last Wednesday night in opening-round action of the Hermann Invitational Girls Basketball Tournament.

Jumping out to a 9-3 lead after one quarter, Hermann extended that lead to seven by halftime at 20-13.

Carrying a six-point lead into the fourth quarter, Aaron’s Lady Bearcats nearly saw that advantage disappear before holding on for a 39-38 victory.

Andrea Van Booven showed the way with a team-high 17 points while Lane added 15 points which included a 7-9 night from the free-throw line.

Yates added five points while Landolt rounded out the Hermann scoring against the Lady Wildcats with two points on a second-quarter bucket.

Hosting Sullivan Monday night in Four Rivers Conference (FRC) action, Aaron’s Lady Bearcats will return to action this Friday night with a short trek to Owensville facing the Dutchgirls as part of a varsity doubleheader tipping off at 5:30 p.m.