BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Lady Bulldogs survived a ferocious fourth quarter rally by Battle Creek to advance to next week’s state tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Leading by 20 points at the end of the third period the Lady Bulldogs had just enough to secure a 51-49 win.

Bridgeport jumped out to an 8-2 lead to open the game only to see the Bravettes come back to tie the game 8-8. The Bulldogs, behind five first quarter points from sophomore Olivia Brown, led 11-10 at the first break.

Bridgeport started to take control in the second period buoyed by senior Tacey From’s two three pointers and seven points in the quarter. The Bulldogs’ scrappy defense started to take its toll on Battle Creek in the second quarter, holding the Bravettes to just eight points while opening up a 25-18 halftime advantage.

The Bulldogs bolted from the gate after intermission, hitting four threes in the period and turning up the pressure on Battle Creek. Jailyn Nichols hit two of her game-high four three pointers in the third quarter as the Bridgeport outscored the Bravettes 18-5 for a 43-23 lead heading into the final stanza.

Bridgeport still held a 20-point advantage with six minutes remaining in the game. That’s when the Battle Creek blitzkrieg began. The Bravettes’ intense defensive pressure forced multiple turnovers, rattling the Bulldogs. Battle Creek went on a 12-3 run to cut the Bridgeport lead to 46-35 midway through the period. The Bravettes’ rally continued, cutting the Bulldog advantage to 47-46 with under a minute to go. However, Bridgeport, who scored only one field goal in the period, made enough free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Bridgeport finished the game with 11 three pointers led by Jainlyn Nichols' four. The junior, who averages five points per game, paced the Bulldogs with 15 points. Ella Schluterbusch had 14 points while Tacey From chipped in 12 points. Battle Creek was led by senior Jaidan Wehrle who finished with 18 points.

The Bulldogs are the No. 5 seed at the 2025 NSAA State Championships Wednesday through Saturday. Bridgeport will play No. 4 Gothenburg at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln at 9:45 a.m. MT / 10:45 a.m. CT on Wednesday. Fans can follow Bridgeport through the state tournament on News Channel Nebraska radio station 987 The Big Boy (98.7 FM, thebigboy987.com and the free NCN app).