Cassidy Gardner scored 14 points, Meri Dunford added 12 and the Falcons stayed undefeated with a win at Surf N Slam in Southern California.
Playing in the tournament’s top bracket, Prairie got the type of challenge it expected. The Falcons (8-0) led 29-28 at halftime.
But Prairie’s defense clamped down in the second half, holding Olmsted Falls (6-2) to eight points in the third quarter.
“All year, we’ve told them that if we play our defense and commit, we’ll be victorious,” Prairie coach Hala Corral said.
Friday, the Falcons will face a national powerhouse in Archbishop Mitty of San Jose, Calif. That team finished last season ranked No. 1 in the nation by ESPN and has won four NorCal titles since 2012.
PRAIRIE 63, OLMSTED FALLS (Ohio) 54
PRAIRIE (8-0) — Dayna Vera 0, Meri Dunford 12, Alli Corral 8, Kendyl Carson 10, Brooke Walling 5, Mallory Williams 4, Cassidy Gardner 14, Claire Heitschmidt 4, Haley Reed 6. Totals 24 (5) 10-12 63.
OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio (6-2) — Hradck 3, Stevens 2, Milligan 2, Khalaf 2, Kelly 22, Carr 9, Gsalaka 5, Simon 9. Totals 7 (11) 7-8 54.
Prairie 13 16 16 18–63
Olmsted 17 11 8 18–54
