(Ma’ayanot Sports) The Ma’ayanot Rapids basketball team hosted HAFTR on Monday night, as both JV and varsity looked to keep their winning streak going. The JV team came out strong with an 18-0 run in the first quarter, with sophomore Sigal Ostrin leading the way with her defensive pressure and freshman Tali Zelkowitz hitting a pair of 3-pointers, finishing the game with a total of 11 points. The Rapids held a large lead throughout the first half, with HAFTR closing out the first half with five unanswered points. In the third quarter, the Rapids’ defense tightened up and scoring from sophomores Ayelet Ostrin (five points) and Sara Mirwis (six points) helped Ma’ayanot take a commanding lead. The Rapids won the game with a final score of 43-15.

The varsity Rapids started with a 15-4 run in the first quarter, with senior captains Leah Weiss (11 points) and Tali Klein (15 points) leading the way. Junior Aliza Poloner (four points) scored from the corner which gave the Rapids the large lead. HAFTR crept back in with 13 points in the second quarter, and the half ended with a four-point differential. Junior point guard Hannah Bromberg was able to cut through HAFTR’s press and knocked down a clutch 3-pointer in the third to maintain the lead. Several blocked shots by junior Sarah Motechin and Klein, who is still recovering from an injury sustained in the team’s second game, helped keep the score close. With less than two minutes to play, HAFTR pressed on every possession and was able to get some quick points. With less than 15 seconds left in the game, HAFTR knocked down a 3-pointer to take their first lead of the game, and were able to hold off the Rapids for the win with a final score 41-37.