Catasauqua’s fourth-seeded girls basketball team had high hopes for a district title as they tore through playoffs last week, but finished as District XI Class 3A runners-up after second-seeded Notre Dame Green Pond defeated the Rough Riders, 34-26, on March 1 at William Allen High School.

“Besides the people in the locker room there, people didn’t expect us to be in this game,” said Catasauqua coach Mark Seremula. “We did. We had the ability to get here. I’m really proud of them, from 0-19 three years ago to District XI runners-up and qualifying for the state playoffs.”

The Rough Riders will travel to Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster, to take on District 12’s West Catholic on March 8.

“A winnable game,” Seremula said. “We have a common opponent with them in Executive (Education). They beat Executive by nine, so we’re gonna go down to West Catholic and compete.”

Catty beat Executive by 11 points in a district quarterfinal before knocking off top-seeded Palmerton in a semifinal.

“This run, this whole week was amazing,” said Seremula. “Credit to Notre Dame. They played great. They made enough shots. This isn’t gonna take anything away from what our girls accomplished.”

All of Catty’s first quarter points against Notre Dame came on free throws, and the Rough Riders trailed, 10-4. The Roughs stopped Notre Dame in the last 45 seconds of the frame with their defense that prevented the Crusaders from getting off a shot.

Sophia Becker had the first bucket for Catasauqua to open the second quarter while the Rough Rider defense continued to stymie the Crusaders.

Catty guard Hailey Jenkins’ layup and two free throws pulled the Roughs within two points, trailing 13-11 at the break.

“At that point, we liked the position we were in,” Seremula said. “We talked to the girls about stepping up and making jump shots, and we just didn’t make any till nine seconds left. You know, we shot 12 for 20 from the line and made one jump shot the whole game, and you’re not gonna win against a team like that. But we held them to 34 points, and the effort on the defensive end was there.”

Notre Dame guard Olivia Schweitzer drained a triple 20 seconds into the third quarter, and teammate Skyler Howlett followed up with a bucket for five quick points.

Jenkins went all the way for a layup and was fouled after a steal, sinking one free throw.

Schweitzer added five more points in the third, and the Crusaders extended their lead, 25-16.

In the fourth quarter, Jenkins made multiple drives to the basket and scored five points, initially fouled on a layup and converting one free throw.

Catty senior Jordan Soltis scored the Roughs’ last points in the final seconds of the game.

In the district’s 3A classification, two teams receive berths in the PIAA state tournament.

Notre Dame will take on Lake Lehman from District 2 at 6 p.m. on March 8 at Allentown Central Catholic.

Tip-off for Catasauqua and West Catholic is also scheduled for 6 p.m.