In a 42-41 win over Kaneland, Katie Schwartz and Shanna Metzger played like seasoned veterans for Rochelle, not like the sophomores they are.

Schwartz took charge of the fourth quarter by scoring the first eight points for Rochelle (7-2, 1-2) and Metzger put a cap on the game by calmly swishing two free throws with 3.4 seconds left for the final margin of victory.

“I was so scared, but felt like I could make it,” Metzger said. “We work on free throws a lot in practice.”

“Shanna plays with confidence and Katie’s our leader,” Rochelle coach Kay Dobbs said.

Metzger was fouled by Brianna Hurst on a steal attempt, causing an uproar from Kaneland (1-7, 0-3) fans and coach Ernie Colombe, who thought the foul shouldn’t have been called.

“I’m not going to comment of the officiating, but everyone here saw it wasn’t a foul,” Colombe said. “I wish the players could have decided it a little more, not the officials.”

In a strange twist of fate, Schwartz fouled Chassidy Mangers just before time expired, giving the Knights an opportunity to win the game on a one-and-one.

However, Mangers missed.

“The game wasn’t won or loss on the last couple fouls,” Colombe said. “We missed clutch free throws at the end.”

Natalie Meiners, Alyssa Hurst, Jordan Miller, Schwartz and Metzger combined for 10-of-11 free throw shooting in the second half for Rochelle.

Rochelle received bad news earlier in day as Breanna Newton found out she was out for the season with a torn ACL in her left knee.