Coming off of a big win against Lincoln Way East, the girls basketball team entered the University of Illinois-Chicago stadium last Friday, hoping for a big win. It was the famous “Jesuit Cup,” and Loyola was not going down without a fight. After prepping all season for this game, the girls were ready to win. In an absolute blowout, the girls won 43-28.

In the first quarter, St Ignatius came out strong. It was a battle of who could play better defense, and it stayed a two-point game up until the second quarter. They knew they needed to amp up their game. The team needed to work together, and their coach, Schoenecker, told them exactly that.

After senior Rosie Proesel made an incredible shot, it was light work from there.  The girls continued to shoot bucket after bucket, and soon they were up by 12.

After halftime, they carried their lead and worked hard to make it last for the rest of the game. After a very successful game against St Ignatius, the girls took home the gold with a final score of 43-28.

“In the fourth quarter, it was an amazing feeling to see all of the seniors get in for the last Jesuit Cup game and pull out the win,” senior Morgan Van Horn said.

Not only did the varsity girls win, but so did the entire girls basketball program. The girls’ basketball team has not only managed an incredible season, but is also ranked third in the state and second in the conference.

Coming off of last year, girls basketball lost a ton of talent. Nine seniors had graduated with five playing at a college level now. They had previously won the cup last year as well, so winning again without their beloved alum was a great feeling.

With their only losses to Whitney Young and Montini, Loyola girls basketball keeps an incredible streak of 21-2. Now that the cup is over, the girls plan to take a win over Prospect this Saturday. They are also tackling the GCAC tournament from January 31—February 5.

The entire Loyola community continues to cheer on these girls and hope they can pull out big wins during the tournament.

Following the tournament are the state playoffs. They are looking to take the number one seed in the sectional, and Loyola is rooting for them every step of the way. These girls have worked very hard to be where they are now, and we know they can do it.