Vals so close, but not quite

The Valkyries were nearly able to do what hasn't been done in five years — keep Loyola from winning the Western B Championship game; but, Loyola took the lead for the first time with just 8.9 seconds left and never gave it back and when the buzzer sounded it was the Breakers who were celebrating the 42-41 victory.

Caitlin Charlebois, with 12 points, helped Bigfork to a 23-17 lead at halftime. She went on to score six more in the third, half of the Vals' 12 points that period, but Loyola gained some ground as its girls scored 15.

Bigfork scored only one field goal in the final period and was 4-for-7 from the free-throw line. Loyola outscored the Vals though by three for the win, even though they made just three of nine foul shots.

Charlebois had the game-high with 20 points and Knoll contributed nine, seven of which she put in during the first half.

Bigfork had to play without starting guard Taylor Peck, who tore her ACL the previous night in the game against Florence. Melissa VanDerveer filled in for Peck.

The Valkyries (19-4) play Eureka (14-10) in a challenge game at 6 p.m. tonight, March 1, at the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo. The winner will advance to the State B Tournament March 11-13 in Belgrade.

The Valkyries have defeated Eureka three times this season, including a 71-34 victory in the District 7B Tournament in Libby two weeks ago.