If there’s one thing that rings true in high school sports, it’s that senior night can bring great motivation and courage.
The same thing happened in Newport on Oct. 14 against previously defeated Susquenita.
Before the game, Newport honored its nine seniors Pace Smith-Robbins, Kayla Conrad, Lexi Zaring, Faith Livelsberger, Delaney Green, Adi Geer, Makenna Buffington, Megan Foltz and Gracyn Schutt.
With seniors, Emma Whistler and Corimae Reisiger on the court, Newport had something to prove and intensity in the air to avenge the loss.
The first two quarters were very back-and-forth, with each team getting a bit of offense before the other team took over.
Both teams created a defensive wall and the score was not opened until halftime.
Newport’s coaching staff, led by Lisa Hood, and Susquenita’s coaching staff, led by Jason Brouse, rallied their teams to do something to get on the board.
Newport was successful in the third quarter.
Buffington sent the ball to the rim and Reiserger hit it to finally break the scoring barrier.
To start the fourth quarter, Reisinger got loose in the first minute and fired a hard shot into the back of the net for another Newport goal.
Three minutes later, Buffington looked to start scoring and assisted Livelsberger for the third and final goal.
Suskenita had nine shots on goal, but ultimately couldn’t get past Schutt and his defense.
The Blackhawks had six corner kicks throughout the game, but failed to capitalize on them either.
The Buffaloes had ten shots on goal and five corner kicks, while Schutt made five saves and recorded his tenth shutout.
Newport rode that win and followed it up with wins over West York and Schuylkill Valley before the end of its regular season.
All four Perry County teams advance to districts with the first round on Wednesday.
West Perry holds the No. 1 seed with a 16-0 record and will play No. 16 Octorara at West Perry at 6:00 p.m.
No. 8 Newport travels to Susquenita to play longtime postseason rival No. 9 Oley Valley to open its district tournament at 5 p.m.
The #4 Blackhawks will play at home against #13 Berks Catholic after the Newport game.
After a tough end to the season, No. 12 Greenwood will play No. 5 Enville-Cleona at 4:00 p.m. The location has not yet been decided.
The winning teams will advance to the quarterfinals on Saturday.