Last Friday night, the girls varsity basketball team lost to Cherry Creek High School 47-51 in a heartbreaking shootout. The elite eight game ended with tears for the Sabercats, but the legacy that seniors Ashley Steffeck, Kaysen Hobbs, Rachel Novak, Macy Klein and Lauren Kleine created for the years to follow dominated the atmosphere at The Denver Coliseum.

The first half was a struggle for the Sabercats. Fossil allowed Cherry Creek (22-4) to score fifteen points in the first quarter, while the Sabercats only managed to put up ten. Cherry Creek made a big second-quarter run to nearly double their score before Fossil Ridge found their rhythm, and ended the first half with the score.23- 27.

The second half was more of a shootout than a basketball game. The referees seemed determined to make sure both teams suffered by calling nearly everything that occurred a penalty. The Sabercats had the opportunity to take the lead or tie three times because of penalties, but for whatever reason the ball refused to go through the hoop, or the Bruins took to the free-throw line and gained their lead back. Unfortunately, Fossil lost by only four points.

This loss should not overshadow the amazing season that the girls had. They went overall 25-5, and in league went 11-1. Ashley Steffeck averaged nearly 15 points per game, as a team they averaged 32 rebound for points per game, and averaged 57 points a game for the entire season. The seniors leaving the program have left behind quite a legacy, but Alexis Kohler, Davin Tonn, Izzy Missimer, Lauren Zwetzig, Allison Osthoff, and Sophia Hadad will undoubtedly continue to make Fossil Ridge High School proud!