This game was not decided until the last seconds.

But in the end, Loyola fell one point short of winning, as they lost in dramatic fashion, 65-64.

Loyola began the game sticking to what has worked for them the whole season, the

man-zone defense. Still, Xavier drew first blood as they scored first. Loyola answered when Kim Rigg passed it to Trenese Smith, who easily scored two points.

Loyola had a tough time scoring early in the game, and found themselves down 9 – 2 early in the game.

Trenese Smith scored a historical two pointer, which made her the new record holder for most field goals in a season. Her sister, Trenell, was able to cut the deficit to one point by scoring.

With six minutes left in the first half, Trenese scored a three pointer to give the ‘Pack a two point lead. Then, she stole a pass and scored two points, increasing the lead to five, with the score 19-14.

Later, Trenese stole the ball under the basket and scored two points while being fouled. She converted it into a three point play by making the free throw.

Tensions grew as Xavier head coach Bo Browder received two technical fouls in less than a minute for arguing with the referee. Kiely Schork took advantage of the situation as she made three of the four free throws.

At the end of the half, Loyola led 33 – 26.

Xavier scored the first five points of the half, cutting the ‘Pack’s lead to two.

With 2:43 remaining, the game was tied at 59-59. Trenell Smith was fouled, hit both free throws, and gave the ‘Pack a 61-59 lead.

With 1:18 left to play Trenese Smith was fouled as she scored a basket and once again converted it into a three point play. The ‘Pack led 64-59.

With 30 seconds left to play, the score was 64-63, with Loyola in the lead.

Xavier scored two points with 0.7 seconds remaining in the game. This was the last basket made, and the last two points scored in the game.

The final score was 65-64, giving Xavier the victory and the number one seed in their bracket in the national tournament.

Xavier head coach Bo Browder said that Xavier was able to stay focused. He added that “sometimes you have to go through adversity to make it to the top.”

According to Loyola coach DoBee Plaisance all of her players assumed the role of the leader coming into this game. She added that she is very proud of her players and credited Xavier for their victory.

She will have fond memories of this season, one in which they were regular season champions. She said that there are still memories to be made, since they are going to the national tournament, where she “expects good things.”

But first, she said, they “must focus on the free throw shooting.”

The team now heads to Jackson, Tennessee for the NAIA national tournament.

Eduargdo Gonzalez can be reached at [email protected].