By Kyle Kandetzki – Sports Editor

In a week with back-to-back Foran matchups, the girls basketball team captured Round 1.

The Lady Lawmen went down to the final seconds, but were able to beat the visiting Lions 55-54 in a thrilling finish Thursday night in the New Gym.

Law’s overflowing student section packed in to the stands long before the game began to watch one of the most competitive clashes between the crosstown rivals so far this school year.

The Lady Lawmen got off to a slow start, falling behind by nine at the end of the first quarter. But Law continued to make small dents into Foran’s lead throughout the remainder of the half, and trailed 30-22 at halftime.

The second half was a completely different story for the Lady Lawmen, though, as they roared back with a 9-0 run to open the third quarter. They outscored the Lions by eight points in the third quarter.

The Lions were able to keep themselves in the game by hitting clutch three-point shots and by grabbing offensive rebounds on almost every possession, which turned out to be Law’s only downfall throughout the game.

Foran’s Jasmin Rodriguez grabbed many of those rebounds and led the team in points with 25.

The game was still to be decided on the final possession in regulation, with Foran on top 54-53, and Law with the ball.

Seniors Jackie Kochiss and Nya Ramos sprinted down the court before giving the ball off to senior Kim Legen, who hit a spectacular underhanded shot with only 31 seconds left.

“It was a really fun game to play in, our student section and fans helped us out a lot and got us pumped up,” said Legen. “We never gave up and fought until the final seconds and pulled off the win.”

Foran had one last chance at victory but missed their last shot in the final six seconds. Junior Catie Miller came up with the key rebound to end Foran’s chances.

Legen lead the team with 23 points, and seniors Ramos and Phoebe French finished with 12 and 7 points, respectively. Junior Sam Murphy finished with 9.

Law’s next game will take place against Scared Heart Academy on January 20 at 7 p.m.

Law will move its student section to Woodmont Friday night where Law’s boys basketball team will take on Foran at 7 p.m.

(Photo courtesy southernconnecticutconference.org)