(Courtesy of SAR) SAR girl’s varsity traveled to HAFTR Tuesday night to face the 11-1 Hawks in this semifinal match up. SAR looked to avenge their loss to HAFTR In the seeding rounds of the Glouberman Tournament.

The game started slowly with each team trading baskets and trying to settle into a rhythm. The referees called a very tight first half, leading to foul trouble for starters on both sides. HAFTR’s Ruthie Rosner, who regularly controls the paint for HAFTR was unable to do so because of the strong play of Yael Berkowitz, Rebecca Altholz and Olivia Weinstein on the inside. Sophia Reich’s buzzer beating half court 3 pointer sent SAR into the locker room at the half with a 24-19 lead.

SAR’s defense in the third quarter proved to be too strong for HAFTR who were unable to score for the first six minutes of the quarter. In a frenzied final quarter, HAFTR battled back with some strong drives by Julia Elephant and some clutch 3 point shooting by Jesse Kornblum. However, Reich’s ability to control the ball and Samantha Horowitz’s dominant play in the post proved too much for HAFTR as SAR held on for the victory.

SAR is looking forward to a rematch with Ma’ayanot in the finals, Sunday March 8, at TABC where the SAR senior team members will be vying for their fourth straight yeshiva high school league championship.