SIOUX FALLS – A short-handed Aberdeen Central squad threatened fourth-seeded Sioux Falls Jefferson for three and a half quarters before succumbing to the Cavaliers 57-41 in the Class AA girls’ basketball SoDak 16 play-in contest Friday in Sioux Falls.

The Golden Eagles held a one-point lead after the first half and trailed by just two points with under five minutes to play in the game.

But in the final four minutes of play, the host Cavaliers, who bested the Golden Eagles by just three points one week prior, turned up the pressure and converted turnovers into points too fast for the Golden Eagles to recover.

Central was without the services of senior guard Taryn Hettich and junior forward Grace Kuch, both out with lower leg injuries.

“I’m so proud of the girls for rising to the challenge tonight,” said Central coach Mikayla Arechigo. “Taryn Hettich was out with an injury from Monday and Grace Kuch went down with an injury at the end of practice on Tuesday. With no practice Wednesday (weather), we didn’t have much time to adjust. We had kids step up and give Jefferson a run.”

Taryn Hermansen led the Golden Eagles with 15 points, including a 9-for-10 effort from the free throw line. Caydi Withers finished with seven points and Ayrlie Waldo added six. Sydney Evans went 4-for-4 from the free throw line in her final game as a Golden Eagle.

Withers and Waldo had key 3-pointers for Central in the early portions of the game. Waldo’s 3-pointer in the first cut Jefferson’s lead to just one point, 10-9, at the end of the first quarter, while Withers’ trey at the end of the first half sent the teams into the break with Central leading 18-17.

“Ayrlie and Taylor (Lyke) played some tough minutes at the point guard spot against some very quick and physical defenders,” Arechigo said. “Caydi moved back inside to get our bigs some rest.”

Central’s season comes to an end with Friday’s loss, as do the careers of senior Anna Malchow, Evans and Hettich.

“It’s been a tough season with all the injuries,” Arechigo said. “I’m so grateful for our seniors and the leadership they showed. Their energy, attitudes and effort have made this season such a positive experience. They will be greatly missed.”

ABERDEEN CENTRAL: Anna Malchow 1 1-2 4, Sydney Evans 0 4-4 4, Ayrlie Waldo 2 0-0 6, Caydi Withers 2 2-2 7, Lauryn Burckhard 2 1-2 5, Taryn Hermansen 3 9-10 15. Totals 12 17-20 41.

SIOUX FALLS JEFFERSON: Aliyah McGovern-Harrington 1 1-2 3, Cierra Watkins 7 7-11 23, Kassidy Larson 1 0-0 2, Abby Horner 3 2-2 8, Kamryn Whiting 1 0-0 3, Jaidyn Dunn 6 3-4 15, Ashlen Johnson 1 1-3 3. Totals 20 14-22 57.

Aberdeen Central 9 18 26 41

Sioux Falls Jefferson 10 17 34 57

3-pt field goals – Malchow, Waldo 2, Withers; Watkins 2, Whiting. Total fouls – Aberdeen Central 20; Sioux Falls Jefferson 18.