Free-throw shooting proved to be the Lady Spartans’ demise in the championship game of the Mercer Christmas Tournament.

Laurel converted one more field goal than the winners, but its failure to take advantage at the charity stripe cost it the 62-59 decision to Union-Rimersburg.

The Lady Spartans made just 17 of 31 shots from the charity stripe, compared to 21 of 27 for Union-Rimersburg.

Freshman Caroline Gibson scored 22 points and was named to the all-tournament team. Diana Pontius added 12 markers. Another freshman, Makenna Collins added eight points, as did Kristin Dicks.

“I was very happy with Caroline’s play,” Laurel coach Jessica Shevitz said. “Not making our free throws, when they made theirs when they needed to, cost us the game, but overall, I was pleased.”

Laurel also won the JV championship, 53-20. Gibson also was the high scorer in that game with 12 points.