Apply pressure on defense, handle West’s pressure on offense, and play consistently for the entire 32 minutes, were the keys to a potential City High upset over the Women of Troy. The Little Hawks accomplished these goals for the majority of the contest. Then in a nod to the classic Friday the 13th movies, a nightmarish 11-0 third quarter run, mortally wounded the Little Hawk’s chances for victory in Friday’s game. What was left at the end was a lesson on what will be necessary to achieve a City victory in February’s rematch.

“I told the girls before the game, all the pressure is on West High. We were the underdogs, and we should be going out there playing relaxed, and I think for the most part we did,” head coach Bill McTaggart said.

A City-West match-up is always a competitive game, and the Little Hawks knew they needed to come ready to play.

“This is our most important game,” Sierra Chambers ‘12 said, “We don’t really think about it, but whenever we come out to play we get really pumped up.”

The Little Hawks came out strong and after a close first quarter the Women of Troy led 14-17. During the second quarter, more back-and-forth play left the Little Hawks down by six. Harper Beasley ‘12 scored on a jumper to cut the lead to four. After a West turnover with only seconds left in the half, Haley Lorenzen ‘14 made a three point basket, sending a roar through the gym and a surge in the spirits of the team. They knew, however, that they had to continue their momentum into the second half.

“I was ecstatic, but I had to keep my focus because there was another half to play,” Lorenzen said, “It was a big shot, yeah, but you have to focus on the little things.”

The second half started with promise, as the Little Hawks took a one point lead. Almost immediately their hopes were slashed as West went on an 11-0 run, after which they were never able to challenge again. The wounded Little Hawks did come back, but it was too little too late as West pulled away with a 64-72 victory.

McTaggart said a goal coming into the game was to shoot a lot inside, and they certainly did. Chambers had a game high of 30 points. Lorenzen added more points in the paint and finished with 10 points. Mickey Hansche ‘13 had eight points, and Kiera Washpun ‘14 and Beasley chipped in with seven. Chambers certainly came to play Friday night, and hopes to continue her success as the season progresses.

“I just put my heart out on the court every game,” Chambers said.

Despite a disappointing ending the Little Hawks proved they could compete with the top team in the state. When the Women of Troy travel to City High on February 11, the Little Hawks will be looking to produce a different result in the sequel.

“The best in the state is Iowa City West and we showed tonight that we’re right up there,” McTaggart said, “We are only going to improve so hopefully we can play them a little bit better at our place.”