The Ladycats hosted a home state playoff game after previously losing to Elizabeth Forward.

They tipped off against Laurel Highlands February 22 to determine if they would punch a ticket to playoffs.

In a nail-biter, the game came down to the last 5 seconds.

Sophomore Annsley Baker knocked down two foul shots to tie the game 49-49 with 3 seconds on the clock.

With .7 seconds left Beaver Area fouled, sending Laurel Highlands to the foul line for 3 shots.

Missing the first one, they were able to sink the next two, taking home the victory. The final score was 51-49 which concluded the Ladycat season.

Senior Emerson Connelly commented: “I couldn’t have asked for a better last season; we made a run nobody thought we could do.”

The Ladycats ended with a record 17-7, only losing three of those games in the final stretch of the season.

This season was still a rebuilding for the Ladycats since last year the new coaching staff was introduced and they knew what they needed to improve.

Losing two senior point guards from the 2023 season the team had to maintain stability, which was easy when senior Samantha Springman and Connelly were back fully healed from suffering ankle injuries that prevented them from playing last year.

The Ladycats were balanced out this year.

“The chemistry on the team was great this year and it added so much fun to the season,” said sophomore Bridget Mayo.

Many of the wins came from the team's bonds and motivated them to keep the season going during playoffs.

Compared to the Ladycats’ 7-15 record last year, it is clear that they had a major comeback.

While losing four strong seniors after this year, most of the team is young, which means young talent.

Three out of the five starters will return, which happen to be the team’s top scorers who will continue to get better and lead the team.

The Ladycats have hopes of still being a top competitor in their section for years to come.