NEENAH – One day after taking down Oshkosh West in a physical regional semifinals game, the SPASH girls’ basketball team traveled to No. 1-seeded Neenah for a regional finals matchup on Feb. 25. 

The Panthers’ season came to a screeching halt in a 65-44 loss to the Rockets.

These two teams first met in the second game of the season, and Neenah had similar success in an 87-54 win over SPASH. 

Both teams are clearly different from the first matchup, but Neenah’s early shooting success kept them in front in the second game. 

“Neenah is an excellent team,” coach Kraig Terpstra stated after the loss. “They started the game shooting very well.” 

The Panthers were within striking distance for most of the half, but Neenah extended the lead early in the second half. 

“I thought we were right there with them, but some turnovers late in the first half and early in the second half allowed them to stretch the lead,” Terpstra explained.

Neenah’s Allie Ziebell and Sammie Buss combined for eight 3s on the night, only missing five attempts between them. 

SPASH had a great season overall, finishing 18-8 (11-1) and being winners of the Wisconsin Valley Conference. 

The loss doesn’t define the team’s success. 

“Although this game was disappointing, it doesn’t take away from the great season this team had,” Terpstra said. “I am very proud of what they accomplished. We will miss our great seniors, Brittany Beadles, Emma Jossie, Tahlia Moe and Lauren Strasman. They were great leaders both on and off the court for us.” 

SPASH had won four games in a row before the playoff loss.