Bethlehem Catholic and Freedom’s girls’ basketball teams met one last time last Thursday at Easton Area Middle School in the EPC semifinal won by the Hawks, 44-39.

It was the third time the Hawks and Patriots faced each other, each team having won one and lost one.

“I feel like it was just another game,” said Becahi forward Kourtney Wilson. “Every game is another game. It’s nothing different. You just have to play your game every game.”

The Hawks took a 20-16 lead into the locker room at halftime and returned to score eight straight points before Brenna Ortwein scored for the Patriots halfway through the third quarter.

Freedom forward Jennifer Kokolus hit a three pointer early in the fourth quarter, and the Patriots began forcing turnovers which allowed Kailey Turpening to score five points, giving Freedom a 32-28 lead with 4:12 remaining in regulation.

“They really wanted it,” said Becahi forward Briana Barnard, “but we really wanted to come back and show we could win this game. It was extra motivation.”

Wilson intercepted a pass to tie the game at 32, but Turpening’s free throws tied the game again with 2:20 left.

“I honestly felt like the team that we are, we have such a good bond on and off the court that, no matter what, if we play it smart, we can pull out a win in every game,” Wilson said. “Value the basketball and don’t make mistakes.”

Wilson hit a jumper, and teammate Jaleesa Lanier intercepted a pass and scored, followed by two more points by Barnard.

Becahi would play in the EPC final against Northampton for the conference championship.