Toledo trailed Adna after each of the first three quarters in the semifinals Wednesday, then outscored the Pirates 12-6 in the final frame to take a 35-33 win and advance to the 2B District 4 championship game.
“It’s amazing,” Toledo coach Brian Layton said. “You’re just so happy because you work hard and you work hard and you don’t always achieve your goals, for whatever reason. But to reach your goal, I think, is a life lesson.
“If you work hard, persevere and stick together, things are going to work out in the end. It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m so proud of them. The greatest group of girls you could ask for, as far as attitudes and personalities.”
It was round two between the Indians and Pirates as Adna had beaten Toledo 44-41 to nab the 2B Central League’s No. 2 seed and hand Toledo the No. 4 seed.
This time, the Indians came out on top — and when it mattered most.
Tied up at 32-32 late in the fourth, in what was a back-and-forth affair from the get-go, Toledo junior Marina Smith drilled a 3-pointer with 2:13 left to put the Indians on top for good at 35-32.
The Pirates would get a few more close shots but only convert on a single free throw as the Indians cheered in celebration as Stacie Spahr grabbed the final defensive rebound as the clock buzzed.
Spahr led the charge with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Emma Cline-Maier added nine points and Smith had six points, three assists and three steals.
Toledo moves on to face Wahkiakum in the district championship at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, at the NW Sports Hub.
Adna will face Ilwaco for third and fourth place at the same time and location.
