BLUFFTON, Ohio (WLIO) — The Ottoville Lady Green are heading back to state after rallying to defeat the Stryker Panthers 44-39 in the DIV. VII regional final at the Sommer Center.

Ottoville entered the game riding a 10-game winning streak and looking for back-to-back trips to the state tournament for the first time since its three-year run from 2017 to 2019. The regional title game was a continuation from Saturday after it was initially suspended due to moisture on the court.

When play resumed, the Lady Green found themselves trailing 37-31 with 5:44 remaining. After a pair of free throws, Ottoville began its comeback. Kate Turnwald found Brooklyn Koester on the perimeter, and the junior knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one.

Moments later, Turnwald connected from long range herself to give Ottoville a 39-37 lead and ignited the Big Green student section.

The Lady Green continued to capitalize at the free-throw line down the stretch. Koester finished with a game-high 23 points, while Kendall Schnipke added nine.

Ottoville closed the game on a 13-2 run over the final 5:44 to secure the 44-39 victory and a return trip to the state tournament.

The Lady Green will face Strasburg-Franklin Tigers in the state semifinal Friday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at the Nutter Center.

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