After Galena’s big win in the Regional Championship, they traveled to Rockford Lutheran to play them for the chance of going to the sectional finals. They traveled there with high spirits and one goal: to win.
In the first quarter, Galena started off cold against Rockford Lutheran, only scoring 9 compared to their 15. It was well-blanced scoring for Galena. Kendra Bauer ‘27 and Leah Heller ‘27 were both able to get to the free-throw line, and Gracie Furlong ‘25 hit her shots behind the arch. “The first quarter was an up-and-down experience because we were able to pass the ball effectively, but they still outscored us,” said Bauer ‘27.
The second quarter was all about Furlong ‘25. She was displaying her ability to get to the rim and free-throw line. She scored half of their total points in the second quarter. “I knew that this could’ve been my last game, so I knew that I had to step up in these kinds of moments, ” said Furlong ‘25. Going into halftime, Galena was up 23-21.
In the third quarter, Galena was shut down. Rockford Lutheran’s D. Johnson was not letting their postseason appearance end. She scored 8 of their 19 third-quarter points. She also got some help from her teammate Parken, who was able to launch her shots from the three. Rockford Lutheran was able to come from behind and take the lead, going up 40-28. “It was a hard pill to swallow,” says Megan Koenigs ‘28. “It was hard to see them outscore us knowing we could’ve beat them.”
In the fourth quarter, Furlong ‘25 and Heller ‘27 weren’t giving up just yet. They both scored a combined 11 of their fourteen points in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to come back as Rockford Lutheran stayed on the gas and was able to keep their lead as they were able to outscore Galena by 4 points in the fourth. Galena lost 45-58. “It was hard knowing that our season came to an end,” said Heller ‘27. “We just have to accept it and focus on our next season.”
Galena had a spectacular run once again this season, winning another Regional Championship. We want to congratulate the girls on another fantastic run and wish them the best of luck next year.
