The Lady Gaels headed into the CHSAA Tier 2 Championship game on Sunday afternoon in a hostile environment on Staten Island vs Moore Catholic. Moore is the 36th ranked team in NYS and has two First-Team All League players in their starting five. The two teams split their regular season games, each winning at home. Led by Senior Captains Madi Lopez, Gianna Carlo, and Madison Carlo the Gaels were able to keep it close and trailed by 4 at halftime as they did in the semi-final. With some timely shooting, clutch free throws, and great defense the Gaels narrowed the lead to 1 with just under 20 seconds remaining. After forcing a turnover, Madi Lopez drove to the basket drawing a foul. She would knock down the two free throws to give the Gaels a 51-50 lead.

On the next possession Callie Arrigale came up with a steal and earned a chance at the free throw line. She increased the lead to 3 with 0.5 seconds remaining. Before the Mavericks of Moore Catholic could inbound the ball Lauren Fox drew an offensive foul. The ball was inbounded to Madi Lopez as she dribbled out the clock and with 21 points helped lead the Gaels to their first ever CHSAA Girls Basketball championship.

The Gaels will continue their quest at Manhattan College on Sunday March 3rd at 1PM as they go for their first ever CHSAA City Championship vs Fontbonne Hall Academy of Brooklyn. They also have qualified for the state tournament which will begin Friday 3/8 at Cardinal Spellman 5PM vs a Buffalo representative TBD. 

Madi Lopez 21 pts 4 reb 4 assist

Madison Carlo 12 pts

Gianna Carlo 9 pts