Tonight was the first round of sectionals for the Bethany girls basketball team. They were feeling very optimistic as the tournament was being played on their home court. Plus they had drawn a team they had already beaten twice this year. Doug, my parents and I were happy to have the sectional at Bethany, but were extremely nervous about the second part. We were all aware that beating the same team three times in one season was rare. Lakeland Christian Academy had played them tough in both games and we knew it would be a challenge.
The game started off in Bethany's favor as they held LCA scoreless for the first quarter. They still had a lead going into the locker room, but it was a lot closer than anyone in the Bruins crowd wanted it to be. The third quarter was a rough one as LCA played aggressively without many calls from the referees. As the last quarter began we were hopeful, but worried. It had been a great season for the girls and we really wanted it to continue.
The fourth quarter was a repeat of the third and with two minutes to go the girls found themselves down by 8. Something must have kicked in at that moment, because the girls went on a run that almost won them the game. A layup that rolled in and out was the difference between a Bethany victory and a tied game at the end of regulation. Either way everyone was excited as the two teams ran out on the court for a tip off to start the four minute overtime and a chance to live another day. Unfortunately, for Bethany it was not meant to be and their wonderful season came to an abrupt end.
As I drove Meg home after the game she had time to reflect on the season. Over these past few months she had gained experience not only in basketball, but in life. It will take some time for the sting of the loss to go away, but when it does the girls will have memories to look back on that will last a lifetime.
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