The Fossil Ridge High School girls basketball team avenged their loss against Monarch High School, defeating them 62-53.

The Sabercats played Monarch earlier in the year, losing on the road 55-54 on a last second basket. That game was Fossil’s most recent loss, as they won 13 straight games heading into the rematch.

Things started off slow for Fossil Ridge, as they started the game down 11-0, unable to find their footing early on. However, things turned around when sophomore Ella Lavigne checked into the game. Lavigne has an uncanny ability to affect the game whenever she checks into the contest.

“I try to play and run with energy…and give it my all,” Lavigne said.

Fossil crawled their way back into the matchup, leading at halftime 29-26, and holding that lead through the end of the third. The Sabercats were able to turn things around due to an increase in scoring, scoring 54 points in the final three quarters. They were led by their lead scorer, forward Kate Davis, who found different ways to score and weave around the defenders.

“When my shots aren’t falling on the outside I try to establish the inside…my game opens up,” Davis said.

By moving her game into the paint, Davis made herself more susceptible to contact. She received several trips to the free throw line, but also plenty of physical contact around the rim. Despite the constant battering, Davis stayed strong and continued to fight for her team.

“I think the fact that it’s the playoffs…I think it pushes us; no one wanted to be done tonight,” Davis said.

Fossil held a three point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the team didn’t stop there. The Sabercats expanded on their lead, due in part to senior leader Maddie Kohler, who made a big three-pointer along with several free throws, guiding Fossil to their fourteenth victory. Kohler, who had been a target of the opposing crowd, found a way to shut out all distractions and let her skill do the talking.

“It fuels me. When people talk [trash] to me, I just want to prove them wrong,” Kohler said.

Fossil will continue their playoff journey at the Denver Coliseum on Friday, March 4, as they seek their 15th straight win, attempting to avenge their 59-46 loss on January 11 against fifth-seeded Arapahoe High School.