The Fremont Ross Lady Giants continued their strong early-season play last night with a hard-fought 46–44 victory over Tiffin Columbian. Starting three freshmen and two sophomores, the young Lady Giants faced a Tornadoes squad featuring three senior starters, but Fremont Ross never allowed the experience gap to become a factor.

From the opening tip, the Lady Giants attacked with confidence and intensity on both ends of the floor. Head coach Juan Vela emphasized before the game the importance of making the extra pass and attacking downhill, and his team responded by playing unselfish, aggressive basketball throughout the night.

Fremont Ross carried that momentum into the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead before facing an early-season test. Adversity was nothing new for this group, especially during Final Exam week, and the Lady Giants stayed composed. Coach Vela made a calculated decision to keep starters Brynn Ward and Sarai Oman on the floor despite each carrying four fouls.

“Worst-case scenario, we get some other players some stressful fourth-quarter minutes,” Vela said.

That scenario became reality as both Ward and Oman fouled out early in the final period. Karina Hensinger and Tearney Hardin stepped in during critical moments, gaining valuable experience and holding their own down the stretch. Assistant coach Mark Sheidler praised Hensinger in particular, saying he was proud of the energy and positive attitude she brought to the floor.

Tiffin Columbian made a late push, roaring back to tie the game with just over three minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish. The Lady Giants responded behind two key contributors in the fourth quarter. Charity Crowe poured in nine points in the final period, delivering timely scoring when it mattered most. Julia “Miss Hustle” Norris made her impact felt in countless ways, providing suffocating defense, relentless energy, and key rebounds.

“Norris plays the game the right way,” Vela said. “She’s an energizer bunny — she doesn’t seem to get tired.”

Coach Vela also expressed pride in the overall start to the season for his young squad. A road win at Findlay followed by a 46–44 home win over Tiffin Columbian reflects the hard work and commitment of this group.

“We are a TEAM,” Vela said. “We play for each other. We over me.”