The Lyle/Pacelli girls basketball team saw one of the top teams in the state and they just couldn’t keep up with No. 7 ranked Spring Grove in a 78-49 loss in Pacelli Gym.

The Athletics (5-4 overall, 5-2 SEC) had their moments, but Spring Grove’s full court press got the best of them in the end. The Lions (10-2 overall, 6-0 SEC) opened the contest with an 11-2 run and they led 43-22 at the half.

“We’d play with them for spurts and then we’d make mistakes,” L/P head coach Brad Walter said. “It didn’t really seem like a blowout and we didn’t play that bad. They’re one of the best teams in the state.”

Nyabang Diang paced L/P with 19 points.

“Nyabang did a good job of attacking the rim and she set up some easy looks for us,” Walter said.

Although they lost, Walter was glad his team got a first-hand look at one of the state’s top teams.

“You get to see what the best is like and it’s a good learning experience,” Walter said.

L/P scoring: Nyabang Diang, 19; Maggie Lewison, 11; Ann Rysavy, 6; Dani Felten, 6; Cortney Walter, 3; Ashley Hinz, 2; Madison Truckenmiller, 2