Bethel Park lost a tough game to eighth seeded Penn Hills, 52-39, in their WPIAL Quad-A semifinal matchup last Tuesday night. The game took place at nearby Baldwin High School.

The Hawks were coming off a commanding 58-42 win against fifth- seeded Pine Richland, where they pulled away in the fourth quarter. Penn Hills was coming off a big win as well, where they upset number 1 seed Penn Traford.

The game started out well for Bethel Park. At the end of the first quarter, the Hawks led Penn Hills 11-4. The Hawks played outstanding defense not allowing Penn Hills to do anything.

In an evenly played second quarter, the Hawks still led Penn Hills at half, 20-16. But things would change in the second half.

The turning point of the game was in the third quarter for Penn Hills. They were clicking on the offensive end of the floor.

The Hawks could’t do anything on offense.

Bethel Park’s Coach Burke said, “I think what changed in the second for us was that we struggled a little more with their pressure, and they were able to get to the hoop more easily or get fouled.”

At the end of the third quarter, Penn Hills lead the Hawks, 37-25. Bethel was outscored 21-5 in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, every time the Hawks made a run, Penn Hills answered right back.

Bethel Park senior Mia Mattes hit five threes for the Hawks in the game. She finished with 15 points, while junior Shannon Conley finished with 10. Penn hills had three girls finish in double figures.

Despite playing a good first half, Bethel didn’t play as well as normal in the second half.

“We needed to play better defense because they shot 23 foul shots. We also needed to do a better job rebounding and we had too long of a lull on offense when they made their run in the third quarter.”

The Hawks still qualified for the state playoffs, and will play Altoona this Friday, March 6 at 7:30 PM at Hollidaysburg Area HS in their first round matchup. Click here for the bracket.

“We will get refocused come Monday and have a scrimmage Tuesday to regain some type of game feel. Then we will prepare hard on Wednesday and Thursday for our Friday game.”