Even as Meridian advances deeper into the state playoffs, they have yet to look evenly matched with an opponent, which continued as the Mustangs (24-1) routed Lakeland on Monday, 65-33. Meridian will play Carroll County in the Class 3 VHSL Championship on Thursday at Virginia Commonwealth University at 6:00 p.m. 

The Mustangs, who advanced to their second consecutive state championship game, controlled the game from the start. They jumped out to a 20 point lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 29-10 halftime lead and a 32 point victory.

“We got off to a great start,” head coach Chris Carrico said. “That definitely helps with confidence.”

Senior Zoraida Icabalceta dominated once again, scoring 22 points, 13 of which came in the fourth quarter. Elizabeth Creed and Peyton Jones followed her with 15 points apiece.

On top of that, Meridian’s defense held off Lakeland, especially at the start of the game. Lakeland scored during their first possession of the game but didn’t score again until midway by the second quarter. By then, Meridian had scored 24 points. 

“As a team we communicated well, and on defense, [we were] able to talk through the ball screens and be able to box out,” Icabalceta said.

“Those girls all work really well together,” Carrico said. “I put them out there, and then they ball.”

Carroll County defeated Spotswood, 69-35, on Monday and will play Meridian in the state championship. Alyssa Ervin led the Cavaliers in the state semifinals with 35 points, and is averaging 35.5 points in the tournament.