The Lady Mustangs suffered a tough defeat (50-52) far away from home at Riverside on February 26th, in triple over time, ending their season in the first round of states.

The game did not start in favor of Manville, leaving the Stangs down by four (5-9) at the end of first quarter and down by six (14-20) at second. At half time, Coach Mike Knitowski reviewed the game plan with his team to be ready to go at the start of third quarter. The low scoring quarter ended in the Riverside Rams in the lead once again (16-24).

Just when Manville was ready to accept a loss, at two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs made an unbelievable 11 point comeback. Isabella Sanchez and Holly Cornelson were the two to score. Right at the buzzer, Zytajsha Abner hit a three, sending the Rams and Mustangs into overtime (34-34). With four minutes on the clock, the girls continued to execute what Coach Knitowski had told them. Being down by three, Lina Sanchez shot the ball from the top of the three point line, swishing through the net, sending the teams into over time once again (42-42).

In double over time, the Rams had the lead and once again the Mustangs tied it with a closing three point shot by Jasmarae Ruiz (48-48). Both teams had four more minutes to go, now in triple over time. At two minutes left, the Stangs were up by two. With little time left, both teams were extremely careful. At around a minute left, Coach Knitowski calls a time out, strategically planning what his team would be doing. Once back on the court, the Mustangs had little time left to pull out a win.

At two seconds left, Manville being down by two, Mindy Sonnenberg gets the ball from an under the basket inbound and throws a baseball pass to her teammate, who’s ready to catch and shoot. Unfortunately, it did not go the Lady Mustangs’ way and the buzzer went off, not only ending the girls’ season, but it being the seniors’- Zytajsha Abner, Isabella Sanchez, Mindy Sonnenberg, Emme Vornlocker, Jasmarae Ruiz, and Kiera Caswell- last time on the court.

Even though, the Lady Mustangs were not able to advance to the quarterfinals, they played down to the last second and proved to many what hard work and determination can do. They did not leave the Rams with an easy win and demonstrated what confidence can do. Having played three over times, the Mustangs left everything they had out on the court.