The season has come to a close for the Fossil Ridge girls basketball team, losing to the Fruita Monument Wildcats 59-55 in the first round of the 6A playoffs.

The teams started off neck and neck, with Fossil holding a 14-13 lead late in the first quarter. But a late Wildcat run including a buzzer-beater three gave Fruia a four point lead after eight minutes of action. 

Fruita Monument attempted to pull away during the second quarter as they had an eight point lead with less than a minute to go. But senior Ella Lavigne had other plans, scoring four quick points to bring the Wildcat lead back to 31-27. 

The Sabercats used that momentum in the third quarter, showing off their defensive prowess and only allowing nine points. Fossil’s offense made up the difference, tying the game at 40 heading into the final frame. 

But the tide shifted in the fourth as Fruita’s offense came alive, outscoring Fossil 16-6 to start the fourth quarter. Lavigne and fellow lead scorer Kaycee Steinke scored nearly all the points down the stretch to bring Fossil back within two with two seconds left. Lavigne and Steinke were by far the biggest offensive weapons for Fossil, combining for a total of 42 points. However, it wouldn’t be enough, as the Wildcats sank two free throws to defeat the Sabercats 59-55. 

Fossil’s lack of depth scoring was clear, with only 13 points coming from the rest of the roster and no other player above five points. 

These are the growing pains that come with experience, with the only departures being Lavigne, Andrea Walser, and Kate Davis. For these seniors it was a year to remember, as the team were city champions outright for the second consecutive season, finished second in the Front Range League at 11-3, and made the playoffs for the 17th consecutive season.

This will be a good learning experience, and hopefully this young, talented group can come back next year and make a run towards another great eight appearance.