A chance at distinction has been awarded. The Xavier girls’ basketball team has defeated their competition the past few games to punch their ticket to state. The team played away against the Central DeWitt Sabers in DeWitt for their final substate game and beat them 45-17.

The girls played their first state game at 11:45 a.m. against Marion on Tuesday, February 26 at the Wells Fargo Arena.

“The whole team has been working really hard to get here so to see our work paying off is the best feeling,” senior and team captain Emily Jasper said. “I am super excited to be going to state.”

The Marion girls are the defending state champions, however, Xavier believes they are up to the challenge.

“Our team is different this year in our fast style of play,” junior and team captain Caitlynn Daniels said. “We have a lot more scoring options that we can use against Marion.”

Daniels had 22 points in the game against Central DeWitt. She believes Marion will be a tough opponent, however, she is optimistic about what the result will be.

“Everyone will have to step up and play a role against Marion,” Daniels said. “Winning cannot be done by only one person.”

Team chemistry does not seem to be an issue for the girls as they have many team bonding events and spend almost every day with each other.

“This year we have good team chemistry and everyone on the team gives their all to help the team in any way possible,” Jasper said.

The winner of the Tuesday game advanced to the semifinal at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 28.