CITRUS SPRINGS - Because Seven Rivers Christian handily defeated Hernando Christian Academy in both regular-season meetings, the Warriors' challenge when the squads played in Wednesday's Class A, District 5 semifinal wasn't so much physical as mental.
"We had to not look ahead," point guard Amy Cortese said.
The Warriors didn't.
In a game it controlled from the start, top-seeded Seven Rivers defeated No. 4 Hernando Christian 59-15, setting up a Saturday final against No. 2 Ocala St. John Lutheran, which beat third-seeded Cedar Key.
The Warriors (15-2) can claim their first district title with a victory. The squads split two regular-season games, each winning on the road.
"We had to build our confidence and execute well," Cortese said. "Now we have to make sure we're at our "A' game Saturday."
The outcome never was in doubt. Seven Rivers led 12-2 after one quarter and 38-8 at the half. The Warriors' starters dominated, and the squad didn't skip a beat when the reserves played. Forwards Rachel Ebert (18 points) and Rachael Capra (15 points) led.
"I'm happy with the effort," Warriors coach Brian Ludwick said. "But I didn't think we were all that sharp. Frankly, I think we can play a lot better than we did (Wednesday). But this was the kind of game you have to get over."
Hernando Christian was led by Sonia Kumar's eight points.
