The road to the A-League championships was paved with teamwork, talent, and grit. In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the Bruriah Lightning outplayed a capable SAR team, led by Dalia Fischer, that didn’t have what it needed to counter the Lightning’s offense and defense.

SAR had defeated the Lighting during both of their regular-season matchups, once by 15. It looked like SAR would run away with this game, too, as it jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead. Ally Orgel scored Bruriah’s first 2 points 1:37 into the game to break the drought, to which SAR answered with 2 of its own. Baskets by Nikki Bick and Tovah Weiskopf brought the Lighting to within 1 at 8-7 before SAR outscored them 7-2 to close the 1st quarter at 15-9.

The Lightning stormed back in the 2nd quarter on baskets by Bick and Orgel and held a 26-22 lead at the end of the 1st half. The Lightning led for the remainder of the game, leading by as many as 14 in the 4th. Michal Hyman and Dani Berlin added a cushion down the stretch to seal the game. SAR mounted several comebacks closing to within 5 in the 3rd. Bruriah had an answer for most everything SAR had to offer. Tali Becker and Nechama Maryles provided great defense off the bench.

This was the last home game for seniors Nikki Bick, Michal Hyman, and Chaya Levin who have contributed mightily to the Lightning Athletics program. Bruriah will face the winner of Ramaz vs. HAFTR in the championships.

By Susan Rifkin