Ruzevich's free throws seal Sandburg win

Updated: March 23, 2011 2:12PM

If Sandburg sophomore Rachel Ruzevich expected to be shooting for the lead at the free throw line with 23.5 seconds remaining in Wednesday night's Class 4A Shepard Regional semifinal against Bloom, she might have been the only one in the gym.

Three minutes earlier, the Eagles trailed by 11 points and weren't looking very good doing so.

But sophomore Carly Katalinic's three-pointer lit a fire that raged beyond Bloom's control.

Ruzevich?

"I was nervous, but I knew I could pull through," she said after her two tosses were the game-deciders in Sandburg's 45-43 victory.

Katalinic and Katie Winchel had 11 points each and Samantha Holler 10 points and eight rebounds for Sandburg (14-16).

Bloom (17-8) was paced by Angenay Williams (22 points) and Bria Gaines (eight points, 13 rebounds).

Bloom led most of the way, and by as much as 13 points early in the third period. Sandburg made a run early in the fourth, but committed four consecutive turnovers during a stretch in which the Blazing Trojans rebuilt a 43-32 advantage.

Catalinic's trey came with 3:09 showing, and was followed in succession by back-to-back buckets by Winchel.

"I was pumped and ready to go," Catalinic said. "I wasn't going to lose."

Catalinic made two trips to the line in the final minute, making three of four shots. It was 43-42 Bloom when Ruzevich made a steal under her own basket and was fouled.

Holler added a free throw for Sandburg with 5.4 seconds left.

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