The PCM girls basketball team defeated Grinnell Saturday night in the opening round of Class 3A Region 8 regional play to advance to the regional semifinals, a game heard live on the KRLS3 stream. 

The Mustangs struggled offensively in the first half going into the locker room trailing the 6-14 Tigers 20-14 at the break. PCM came out to start the third quarter with big three pointers from Addison Steenhoek and Lila Milani to tie the contest up. After a tight rest of the quarter the Mustangs still trailed 33-31 going into the final quarter of the game. PCM’s offense came alive and they outscored the Tigers 17-10 in the fourth quarter to secure the 48-43 win and advance to the regional semifinals. The Mustangs were led in scoring by sophomore Tori Lindsay and junior Addison Steenhoek who both had 14 points. Steenhoek says that the team is at their best when they’re out there having fun.

“We did not play our best game in the first half and I think we all knew that but we also knew what we had to do when we came out in the second half. It was just a team effort. Everybody knew their role and what they needed to do tonight and I think that was really important. Everybody wanted each other to score. We just had fun playing in the second half. I think just knowing and trusting our teammates and just playing like we want to be there and having fun, that’s when we’re at our best.”

PCM will travel to Monticello on Wednesday night for the Class 3A region 6 semifinal.