Herkimer Stuns No. 1 Onondaga in Overtime Thriller, Advances to Region 3 Championship for First Time in 28 Years
Herkimer College
92
Onondaga Community College
90
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Herkimer College | 27 | 17 | 16 | 22 | 10 | 92 |
|
Onondaga Community College | 24 | 20 | 21 | 17 | 8 | 90 |
In one of the biggest upsets in Region 3 tournament history, the No. 4-seeded Herkimer College women's basketball team knocked off top-seeded Onondaga Community College in a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory in the Region 3 semifinal on Saturday. With the win, the Generals advance to the Region 3 championship game for the first time since 1997.
Facing a dominant Onondaga team that entered the tournament as the favorite, Herkimer showed resilience from the opening tip. The Generals set the tone early, scoring 27 points in the first quarter to take a three-point lead. Onondaga responded in the second quarter, outscoring Herkimer 20-17 to tie the game at halftime, 44-44.
The battle intensified in the second half, with neither team gaining full control. Onondaga edged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Herkimer 21-16 to take a 65-60 lead into the final period. But the Generals refused to back down, responding with a clutch 22-point fourth quarter to force overtime at 82-82.
In the extra period, Herkimer executed under pressure, outscoring Onondaga 10-8 to complete the stunning upset. Imani McNeil led the charge with a dominant 25-point performance, shooting 10-for-19 from the field and adding six rebounds. Kerisa Van Olst contributed 21 points, including three three-pointers, while Sage Geisler provided 19 points, six assists, and five steals in a crucial all-around effort.
Herkimer's defensive tenacity and timely shooting proved to be the difference, forcing 30 Onondaga turnovers and capitalizing on key possessions late in the game. Despite Onondaga's 58-37 rebounding advantage, the Generals made up for it with their efficient 40% three-point shooting and a relentless defensive effort.
Onondaga's Sarah Hirschler led all scorers with 26 points, while Kathryn Grainger added 16 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Generals' defensive pressure kept Onondaga from finding a consistent rhythm down the stretch.
With the victory, Herkimer moves on to the Region 3 championship game, where they will have the opportunity to claim their first title in nearly three decades. The Generals will look to carry their momentum into the final as they aim for an improbable championship run.
Herkimer's historic win marks a turning point for the program and will now set their sights on one final battle for the Region 3 crown.