Kristen Meyer leads Okarche into Class A championship game

Fifth-ranked Okarche advanced to the finals to play second-ranked Chattanooga on Saturday at 7 p.m. at State Fair Arena.

"Once one of our senior leaders, Kelsey Grellner, fouled out, we knew someone had to step up. I saw the opportunity and took it," Meyer said.

Meyer only had two points in regulation but scored eight of Okarche's 10 points in overtime on two field goals and went 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

It is Okarche's 21st state appearance, and the Warriors last championship came in 1982.

"We wanted to break the curse. It seems like forever we've been able to get to the semifinals but not able to get over that hump," Meyer said. "It's just exciting to be able to play Chattanooga tomorrow night."

The Warriors (23-7) connected on five 3-pointers in the first half. But with their outside shooting failing them in the second half, they had an alternative.

Junior Megan Schaefer scored 12 of her 13 points in the second half as Okarche worked the ball down low and fouled out Seiling senior Kari Trammell.

"We have really good post players and really good outside shooters," Meyer said. "We'll take whatever shot is there."

There were four ties in the fourth quarter and Okarche never trailed in overtime.

Seiling also had a role player step up as Chelsie Livingston scored a game-high 18 points. Livingston averaged six points per game. Trammell had 13 points.

Seiling finished the season at 24-3.