Lake Catholic is a big underdog going into its game on Friday against two-time defending state champion Hathaway Brown.
The Cougars (23-2) defeated Struthers, 50-43, on Tuesday to advance to the regional final. They are making their first trip to regionals since 2006 when they finished state runner-up championship.
Lake Catholic coach Frank Soria has the experience and savy to return to state, but do his players have the same characteristics? Sure they are talented, but this group has never made it this far before.
How will they react in a big game against a tough opponent?
They've played a tough schedule against quality teams which should help on Friday. But is it enough?
If senior center Colette Hounshell can get hot, the Cougars have a shot. Struthers held her to just four points and that's not going to get the job done against HB.
The Cougars' outside shooter Delani Stopp will also be counted on big. She scored 17 against Struthers including three 3s in the third quarter.
Senior Beth Switzler can complete the Cougar trifecta if she gets in a groove.
The Cougars will lose if they come out nervous like they did against Struthers. They didn't score a single field goal in the first quarter.
That can't happen against HB.
We'll see what the underdog Cougars are really made of on Friday.

-Theresa Neuhoff Audia