Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS Juniata’s Haley Mummah puts up a fading shot while Millersburg’s Paige Rothermel reaches out to try and block the shot on Tuesday night.

MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata scratched and clawed every single step of the way but came up short in a loss to Millersburg, 55-47, in a Tri-Valley League girls basketball game on Tuesday.

“They played their hearts out the whole way. Especially in the second, third and fourth quarters we were right with them,” Indians coach Jim Fosselman said. “I hate to lose. The kids hate to lose, they’re not quitters. But a loss is a loss, got to give credit to Millersburg they came in with some big kids but we stuck and played right with them.”

Millersburg started off strong, finding open shots and knocking them down throughout the opening period. Millersburg had five different players who scored at least a basket in the frame.

On the flip side. Juniata struggled to get shots to fall. But did get Millersburg into foul trouble during the quarter, having Millersburg commit five fouls for the period.

Juniata took advantage of that in the second quarter and began attacking the basket. Regan Lowrey led the charge scoring seven of the 16 total points scored in the frame. Juniata managed to cut the lead down to 28-25 heading into the break.

Juniata continued to pressure Millersburg throughout the second half and eventually got the lead for the first time of the whole game with a jump shot from Mylee Landis.

But Millersburg got behind Jana Strait who scored nine of the 18 team points scored for the final quarter to help seal the deal for Millersburg.

Juniata had three players who scored in double digits with Lowrey leading with a game high of 19 points. Mariska Beward added 11 points and Landis tacked on 10 more for Juniata.

“Kids played hard,” Fosselman said. “There was balanced scoring.”

It was a special occasion for Juniata as it was honoring three seniors who are finishing their careers at Juniata.

The first was Chloe Beckenbaugh who had a point in the game and was big on the glass collecting rebounds for the team.

“It has been a really great experience. I really appreciate the support from not only my parents but my teammates’ parents as well as my teammates,” Beckenbaugh said. “It’s been a really great run and it’s sad to see it go.”

Cora Musser was also honored prior to the game. Musser ended the game with four points.

Musser thanked everyone who was there for her every step of the way.

“I’m glad to come back and play for some good coaches and have a successful senior year,” Musser said.

Last but not least, was Frances Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is appreciative of everyone at Juniata and is proud of what she accomplished throughout her career.

“I think it went pretty well,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m thankful for all the memories that I’ve made.”

Juniata (10-9, 7-4) travels to Bellefonte today.

Millersburg 55, Juniata 47

Millersburg 18 10 9 18–55

Juniata 9 16 9 13–47

Juniata (47): Haley Mummah 1 0-0 2; Cora Musser 2 0-0 4; Regan Lowrey 5 7-9 19; Mariska Beward 4 3-4 11; Mylee Landis 4 2-2 10; Chloe Beckenbaugh 0 1-3 1. TOTALS: 16 13-18 47.

Millersburg (55): Paige Rothermel 2 0-0 4; Jana Strait 8 2-5 17; Olivia Dyer 5 1-3 13; Fallon McFadden 3 1-2 7; Emma Miller 3 4-10 10. TOTALS: 22 8-20 55.

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