Ridgway seniors ready for final run
The final postseason for Lady Elker seniors Gabby Amacher, Kristen Ellenberger, and Jenna Kasmierski begins tonight when the District 9 Class A, 18-5 two-seed, hosts 10-seed Northern Potter (1310).
With five teams from the district advancing to the PIAA championships, a win tonight would send the trio to the PIAA playoffs for the second time. They did so in 2022 when Ridgway finished 15-10. Tonight's four quarterfinal winners advance to the state tourney. The three losers will play for the fifth spot. Last season, the Lady Elkers finished 13-11 and were knocked out of the district consolation round by Clarion. A loss tonight would keep Ridgway in the mix for the five spot.
A district championship would be the first for the Lady Elkers since 1989 (2A).
“We know this is our last chance to win it, so we're definitely ready,” said Kasmierski, who enters tonight's contest with 1,097 points. “We've earned to be where we're at. I think before, we were the team looking to knock somebody out, and now, we're the ones everyone's after, so we're going to have to play our best and earn it.”
Ellenberger, one of the best defenders in the district who can also put it in the hoop is confident in the team's ability to make a playoff run.
“It's been a long season, but we've worked very hard, and I believe we're ready and excited to keep going.”
Amacher, a pinpoint passer with scoring ability and defensive prowess, feels the Lady Elkers are in a position to challenge for a title.
“I think we're playing at our best. We've had good seasons, but we've [stepped it up] and are ready to push our way through.”
The group faced tough conditions as freshmen when the team finished 1-7 during the 2021 season, abbreviated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Head coach Jay Schreiber, then an assistant that year, took over the next season for John Bennardi, who now coaches the Bradford Owl. Throughout the season, the Ridgway coach has praised the three seniors for guiding the younger players.
“When I was little, I looked up to the older girls, which made me want to be like them, so it's nice seeing our younger players and kids in the stands looking up to us now. It's important to do what we can to help them get better,” Amacher said.
Ellenberger knows the importance of a leadership role.
“It's about building the program and getting young girls to follow so we can help them build their confidence which will help them do the same as they get older.”
Kasmierski relishes the role.
“To make a long run, everybody needs to contribute, and I'm happy to do my part to help in any way I can.”
The three would love to see a full house for the playoff opener on their home court. The semifinals and the championship are played on neutral courts.
The 7 p.m. game will be broadcast on WDDH-97.5 FM-The Hound.