By Anastasia Stepankowsky

Senior Oshae Walker was hot all night, but her effort couldn’t overcome a rollercoaster effort by the Chief Sealth Ladyhawks (5-12), who fell to Eastside Catholic (13-7) Friday night.

Walker netted 10 of the Ladyhawks 12 first-quarter points and finished with 19 in the 63-51 loss in the Ladyhawks final regular season game.

“We could have competed a little more. I think we gave them momentum at times. We gave up at times and then we didn’t give up at times. I think we should try a little bit harder next time,” Walker said.

The Crusaders crept out to an early 14-4 early lead despite lackluster shooting. An 8-0 burst keyed by Walker’s consecutive three-pointers brought the Ladyhawks close at the end of the first quarter.

The Ladyhawks unraveled after a technical foul for language gave Walker her third penalty. The incident, and some earlier questionable calls, prompted grumbling and catcalls about the refereeing. The distraction helped the Crusaders widen their lead to 17-12. But Chief Sealth fought back and trailed only 28-26 at the half.

Chief Sealth managed to stay close in the second half but could never find its rhythm.

“I think we played a good basketball game tonight. We went through moments of tempo and momentum and then not,” said Chief Sealth head coach Katie Jo Maris. “The score on the game doesn’t reflect the effort my girls put in.”

The Ladyhawks now enter the playoffs in the bottom bracket and with a history of loser-out losses, but Maris is confident and said the group has had a wonderful season.

“I feel good. I think my girls are ready. This is kind of the position we’ve always been in for the last three years, and I’m hoping that they’ve got the fight in them and they’re ready to finally win this game,” Maris said.

Walker, who was honored along with Amelia Aamot on senior night Friday, is approaching the playoffs with both excitement but some trepidation.

“I feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m kind of nervous, kind of not nervous. I’m ready to play, but then again I don’t want to lose,” Walker said.