The Lake Catholic girls basketball team is one win away from advancing to the Division II state tournament.
Standing in the Cougars way is the same team that was standing in their way last year in the regional final at Barberton.
The Cougars are facing three-time defending champion Hathaway Brown on Friday at 7:15 p.m. at Barberton High School.
The winner will be cheering wildly and packing their bags for Columbus. The loser will not have another practice and probably go home in tears.
The Cougars have to be excited, but nervous at the same time.
They obviously have so much riding on this game.
A year ago, they got off to a slow start and were outscored 21-9 at the end of the first quarter. They trailed the rest of the way in a 70-60 loss.
The Cougars can't let it happen again this year.
They let it happen to them in the regional semifinal against Rocky River on Tuesday night. They were outscored 11-6 in the first quarter, but managed to have a strong third quarter against the Pirates to secure a 42-30 victory.
The Cougars shot 10 of 47 from the field in the game and 17 of 26 from the line. They'll have to shoot better in both areas to beat talented HB.
I believe the Cougars have what it takes to pull this one out. Most importantly, they have the heart and desire that is necessary to be a champion.
Revenge is sweet.
Especially when a trip to the state championship is on the line.

-Theresa Neuhoff Audia