“That’s one of the better first halves we’ve played this year,” Rios noted.

It was still a 12-point margin, 25-13, when the Lady Maroons fought back. Madilyn Brummer and Faith Aherin had back-to-back scores to start a 13-5 run that closed the gap to 26-20 three minutes into the third period. Ruby Westendorf then scored four straight points to get Dieterich to within 29-24 two minutes later.

A 3-pointer by Guy and a bucket by Karolewicz extended the lead back to 10 before a buzzer-beating three by Kaitlyn Boerngen got the Lady Maroons within seven, 34-27, heading into the final period.

Dieterich’s Emily Bloemer scored to open the fourth quarter to make it 34-29, but the visitors never got any closer. It was 40-35 at the 3:03 mark, but a bucket by Anna Faber and then six straight free throws by Jones, Guy and Karolewicz in the final two minutes enabled the Lady Bulldogs to secure the victory.

“We didn’t shoot free throws very well for the game, but we made those last six,” Rios said. “That’s how you finish a game.”

Guy scored 16 points and Jones added 14 to lead St. Anthony in scoring.

“Reese really stepped up and played well, both on offense and defense,” Rios noted. “Riley also did a nice job tonight and Grace continued to be steady for us. She’s our glue. She’s a scrappy player.”

Lucy Fearday missed the game due to an injury, but freshman Maddie Kibler turned in some strong minutes. She scored six points and pulled down eight rebounds.

Bloemer led Dieterich with eight points, while Boerngen and Brooke Locey both scored seven.

St. Anthony shot 27 percent from the floor, connecting on 13-of-49 attempts. They were 3-for-8 from behind the arc and 19-for-37 from the foul line. Dieterich made 13-of-51 shots, a 25 percent clip. The Lady Maroons were 2-for-17 from three-point range and just 7-for-20 from the charity stripe.

The Lady Bulldogs are now 2-2 overall and are 2-0 in the National Trail Conference.

“I’m very excited about where we’re at right now,” Rios admitted. “We just keep getting better.”

St. Anthony will play Saturday at Newton and Monday at Brownstown/St. Elmo.