Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team defeated Gwynedd Mercy in the second round of PIAA State Class 4A playoffs, 44-33, last Wednesday at Governor Mifflin High School.

The Hawks were troubled by bad passes and were forced to press early in the game, but Gwynedd Mercy worked its way around that in the first quarter.

“Then, our feet came alive, and we talked about taking the next pass away and taking the onus of playing that man to man defense in the center of the court, and the girls did a good job of forcing a couple five second calls,” said Becahi coach Jose Medina.

As seems to be a pattern, Jaleesa Lanier opened the second quarter with a three, and Stephanie Donato came off the bench to score off a difficult rebound. Keyara Walters was also a major contributor off the bench, both offensively and defensively.

“Our girls do a great job when they’re called upon, and as coaches we believe in them, and when we throw them in there, they seem to rise up to the challenge,” Medina said.

Gwynedd Mercy guard Kaylie Griffin was the Hawks’ biggest offensive threat in this game, but Griffin also was called for more than one five-second violation.

“We started to get offensive rebounds and we tried to swing the ball, look for shots and not rush, be patient and get our shots,” Lanier said. “That really helped us get out enthusiasm back because we were down a little bit. It helped to remind us we were in it. We didn’t stretch out on the three point line but once we got that together, we were ready to go.”

The Hawks led 20-17 at halftime.

“We didn’t want to come out slow and let them back into the game,” said Becahi forward Kourtney Wilson, who hit her stride in the second half with 10 points. “The farther you go, the harder they get, so we can’t come in here expecting the teams will be soft or that mentality will lead us to losing a game.”