In Bethlehem Catholic’s 52-27 loss to Berks Catholic in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Class AAA state girls’ basketball tournament on Saturday at Hamburg Area High School, Becahi coach Jose Medina summed it up best when he said the Saints’ size played a big factor, and then foul trouble hurt.

“We had a great start, but their strength and size started to prevail,” said Medina.

Three point shots by Becahi’s Morgan Orloski and Tessa Zamolyi gave the Hawks a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but Berks Catholic scored more than half of their second quarter points on free throws, taking a 20-16 lead at halftime.

“We talked about opening the floor a little more and getting in the paint to create for others, but they were able to get 2-3 chance opportunities,” Medina said.

Berks Catholic’s Devon Merritt and Dejah Terrell caused the most damage, scoring 24 and 16 points, respectively. All of Becahi’s players were held to single digits.

What was arguably the most disheartening play of the game for the Hawks was Terrell’s inbound pass from the sideline to Merritt, who was positioned under the basket and scored at the very end of the third quarter, causing an outburst of cheers by Berks Catholic fans.

In the fourth quarter, Becahi was held to just five points.

“The girls were somber, upset, and rightfully so,” said Medina after meeting with his team after the game. “We felt we had a good opportunity coming in, and at the end of the day, we always expect to win the game.

“I’m proud of the girls, their fight, their resolve, and we’ll use that to catapult us in the offseason.”