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The Pella Christian girls saw their season come to an early end Saturday night as they fell 37-31 at PCM in the opening round of the Class 2A Regional Tournament. Both teams battle hard and the game was very intense and very physical at times and stayed close all the way through the end. The Eagles held an early 5-0 lead and were playing very strong defense but the Mustangs found their groove late to take a 9-8 lead after one quarter. The two teams swapped leads throughout the second quarter and PCM held a 22-18 lead at halftime as Pella Christian just couldn’t seem to hit a shot missing several layups and put backs after offensive rebounds. Pella Christian held a lead late in the third quarter but a buzzer beater shot by Stephanie Hayden gave PCM a 28-27 lead heading into the fouth quarter and the Mustangs were able to build that lead in the final couple minutes to get the win. PCM coach Ben Anderson said the Mustangs defense down the stretch made the difference as he credited his girls for stepping up when it counted most.[simage=1576,200,y,right]

Pella Christian coach Kevin Van Maanen said this was a very tough way to end their season because he thought his girls played very well and he was very pleased with how the girls really stepped up their intensity for this game but just couldn’t seem to get a break.

PCM was led by Stephanie Hayden with 11 points while Taylor Van Roekel added nine. Pella Christian was led by Jasmin Schelhaas with 10 points, Bekah Posthuma and Christin Nolte each added six. PCM improved to 15-6 overall and advances to play Albia tomorrow night at Pella Christian which you can hear live on 92.1 FM KRLS while Pella Christian ends their season at 13-9. Pella Christian loses three seniors from this years team, all starters, Bekah Posthuma, Courtney Van Kooten and Jackie Veenstra.