Controversial Call Costs Lady Colts in State Playoffs

This story was compiled with the help of Spencer Stefko and Patrick McGeough. If you have photos or video of the PIAA semifinal playoff game in Chambersburg, post them here by clicking on the "Upload" tab on the left.

The Lady Colts were clawing their way back in the state championship semifinals in Chambersburg on Wednesday night when a controversial traveling call late in the game appeared to take the wind out of their sails.

Down 33-30 with less than 2 minutes left in their PIAA semifinal playoff against Archbishop Wood, Alexa Golden drove to the hoop for a successful layup and appeared to be a fouled, which would’ve led to a 3-point play.

One referee called the hoop and the foul, but another referee called traveling a split second before, handing the ball back to Archbishop Wood and deflating the Lady Colts. Even some impartial fans in the gymnasium thought the official had made the wrong call.

A series of fouls shots by the Catholic high school from Philadelphia sealed the win as lost 42-37 in their bid to make it to the Class AAA state championship game. Coach Spencer Stefko, though, didn't blame the call for the loss.

“There were calls that went both ways,” Stefko said. “That wasn’t the difference in the game.”

The Lady Colts started the game cold and went into halftime trailing 18-10. But hot shooting in the third quarter allowed them to close the deficit and have a chance to tie late in the game.

A couple late 3-pointers pulled the Lady Colts close in the end, but the controversial traveling call clearly rattled the team. Archbishop Wood was able to control the game by making foul shouts at the end to hold onto the lead.

Stefko praised his team's ability to battle back against a very tough Catholic high school prep team.

“It’s the way it’s been any time we’ve gotten down this year,” Stefko said. “It’s an inspiring thing to be a part of and they are very easy to be proud of.”

Despite the loss, the Lady Colts can boast of a successful 25-4 season that began with the Chartiers Valley School Board r before . The team also made it to the state semifinals for the second time in three years.

The Lady Colts have a strong team returning next year, although Stefko preferred to reflect on this year's squad and their strong run through the playoffs.

“You sometimes get on a great ride with great kids with great families,” Stefko said. “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of an enjoyable run when you’re with these kids. I’ve enjoyed every moment with these kids.”

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