BLUFFTON, Ohio (AP) — Margaretta used a dominant defensive stretch and strong inside play from Cassidy Lane to pull away from Ottawa Hills for a 42–29 victory in a Division VI regional semifinal Thursday night at Copeland Court on the campus of Bluffton University. The win improves the Lady Bears to 25–1 and sends them to the regional championship game Saturday at 6 p.m., where they will face Patrick Henry for a trip to the state Final Four. Margaretta struggled offensively for much of the night, shooting just 30 percent from the field, but its defense proved decisive. The Lady Bears limited Ottawa Hills to only one point over a span of 16 minutes and 41 seconds, turning a close game into a comfortable lead. Senior Cassidy Lane led Margaretta with 23 points and nine rebounds, while converting 11 of 12 free throws. Lane scored consistently inside and helped the Lady Bears maintain control before leaving the game late in the fourth quarter with Margaretta comfortably ahead. Margaretta opened the game with a 9–0 run to take an early 9–3 lead, but Ottawa Hills responded and tied the game at 10–10 early in the second quarter on a 3-pointer from Brodi Kale. From that point forward, Margaretta’s defense took over. Ottawa Hills managed only one point over the next several minutes as the Lady Bears steadily built a double-digit lead. Margaretta closed the first half with a 9–0 run to take a 19–10 lead into halftime. Lane scored six points during the run and Ellyse Schaefer added a key 3-pointer. The Lady Bears continued to extend the lead in the third quarter, outscoring Ottawa Hills 11–1 to move ahead 30–11 entering the final period. Lane capped the quarter with a putback basket in the final minute. Ottawa Hills struggled offensively throughout the night and entered the fourth quarter shooting just 3 of 23 from the field (13 percent). For the game, the Green Bears shot 24 percent. A major focus for Margaretta defensively was limiting Ottawa Hills standout Kendell Skiver, who entered the game averaging nearly 27 points per game. The Lady Bears held the sophomore to five points and one field goal, which came in the final two minutes. Margaretta continued to build its lead in the fourth quarter. Lane scored on a spin move with just over five minutes remaining to give the Lady Bears a 36–16 advantage, and Kenadie Saylor added another basket moments later to extend the lead to 38–16. With the outcome largely decided, Margaretta’s starters exited the game with about five minutes remaining. Ottawa Hills kept its starters in and finished the game with an 11–0 run, led by Sophie VanSlooten, who scored 13 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter. Ellyse Schaefer finished with eight points for Margaretta, while Kenadie Saylor added seven points and six rebounds. Lillian Belak and Addyson Fitzthum each contributed baskets. For Ottawa Hills (17–9), VanSlooten led all scorers with 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Kale and Alexa Potts each added a 3-pointer, while Skiver finished with five points. Margaretta will return to Bluffton University on Saturday to face Patrick Henry, which defeated Columbus Grove 48–41 in the other regional semifinal. The winner will advance to the Division VI state semifinals next week. Register Article Link- Click Here/ Regional Semi Final Highlights- Click Here BCSN Highlights- Click Here Matt McKenzie Photo Gallery- Click Here