The Papillion Lavista Monarchs faced off against the Millard South Patriots Friday, February 21st. An extremely physical game that unfortunately did not have the end result the varsity girls had hoped for. 

The end score came out to be 79-51, with a Patriot win. Although the Monarchs left in defeat, they will not back down from any upcoming challenges they face.  

“I knew we had to come together as a team if we wanted a chance to win that game,” junior Anna Fitzgerald said. “We had to stick together and pick each other up when times got rough and that I think we did.” 

During the second half, the score went from a tied game to Millard South gaining a wavering 10 plus advantage over the Monarchs. 

Parents were very loud and clearly not pleased with the referee’s calls. As players continuously took charges and came out of the game due to physicality. 

“The outcome wasn’t what we had expected,” Fitzgerald said. “But we definitely left it all out on the court and that’s what matters.” 

Although this was the girls last game, they have districts coming up on February 25th.  

“With state coming up I think it’s really hitting some of us that this is an all or nothing deal,” Fitzgerald said. “We either win our district and go to state or we lose and not go.”  

However, the team is remaining positive in their district and possibly state outlook. 

“I think we are all mentally and physically prepared to give it our all and leave it all out of the court for our 4 seniors,” Fitzgerald said. “And personally, I think we can win this whole thing if we stick together and lay everything, we got out on the court every single game and at every single practice leading up to it.” 

Millard South may have taken the victory at this game, but with Fitzgerald’s thoughts about the team it is clear the win continue to work. The ultimate victory will be taking state, and for this team, that means more than one win.