Holding on to a three point lead, a blocked shot at the buzzer by freshman Regan Freland sent the PCM Girls Basketball Team to the state tournament after a hard fought 52-49 victory over West Marshall in the regional final Saturday night.

The Mustangs found themselves in an early 14-4 hole in the first quarter, but would claw their way back to a halftime score of 31 all despite seven West Marshall makes from beyond the arc. The defense clamped down in the second half for the Mustangs, who gave up only nine third quarter points and built themselves a four point lead going into the final eight minutes.

After a back and forth final quarter, clutch free throws from Freland gave the Mustangs a lead, then a steal plus a Kayla Jenning jumper from the wing put them up three with 42 seconds to go. After a timeout, West Marshall spent the next 34 seconds trying to find an opening in the rugged Mustang defense before being forced to call a timeout with eight seconds left. Coming out of the timeout, the Mustangs put the ball in the hands of their best player Isabelle Gradwell who tried to force up a three to tie the game but it was blocked by Freland to end it. PCM Coach Jeff Lindsay told KNIA/KRLS Sports, that it was a team effort that lead to their fantastic last defensive possession.

PCM Head Girls Coach Jeff Lindsay
“There at the end at the last 45 seconds, thats the toughest I’ve seen us defend man to man. We always talk about being on all cylinders, everyone working like an engine, everybody is a part and when all the parts are working well the engine is just purring. And right there, everyone was in tune with each other and I couldn’t be more happy for the girls”

Freland and Katie Vande Wall each had 15 points to lead PCM, while Kayla Jennings put in 11. The Mustangs next contest will be at Wells Fargo Arena for the first round of the state tournament on Tuesday, February 28th against Sioux Center at 11:45am.