Girls basketball uses student section’s support to defeat rival

Marlo May

Senior Lydia Harris pushes the ball up the court in a game against Parkway South. The Lady Lancers defeated the Patriots 39-34.

The girls basketball team faced off against their infamous rival, Marquette, on Feb. 2, during the Winter Homecoming week. It was one of the most anticipated games of the season, and the Lady Lancers brought home a victory, defeating the Mustangs 72-67.

The team was determined to redeem themselves after the loss to Marquette earlier in the season. They had several practices to prepare themselves for the big game.

Senior Jordyn Terry said, “We needed revenge after losing a close game to them earlier in the season, and having the game during Winter Formal week just made us more hype. We went through a lot of fast-paced practices trying to prepare for the pressure and speed that we knew Marquette would bring. Overall, I feel we did a good job of preparing for the game.”

According to senior Lydia Harris, she also felt a heightened intensity in the rivalry game.

“I was really just focused on beating Marquette. Playing a rival like Marquette always brings extra emotions to the game. It honestly makes the game more intense and more fun to be a part of,” Harris said.

Before the game, Terry tried to calm herself in spite of the emotional game.

“I just saw it as another game. During the game, I felt composed but anxious. I just wanted to win, so we could move on to the next game,” Terry said.

Terry attributed her team’s victory to the support they received at the game. Many fans showed up, and the Home Court Advantage pep band was there to encourage the players.

“There was more pressure because our Superfans showed out and the band was there, it just made us more confident, and I think that showed throughout the game. After the game I was proud of the way we played because we played very well together,” Terry said.

After their big win, Terry shared the team’s future vision for the season.

“No matter what, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this year, but our goal for this season is to win Districts and see where we go from there,” Terry said.

The Lady Lancer’s next game is Feb. 9 at Fox at 5:30 p.m.