For the first time in school history, the girls’ basketball team is heading to the UIL State Tournament after defeating Mansfield Summit 43-39 in the Regional Final Saturday.

“It’s an opportunity I can not describe,” junior Rebecca Lescay said. “I’m speechless right now. I’m happy to have it with my teammates and we’ll do great.”

Although a young team, head coach Ross Reedy credits the character of the girls in the string of success they’ve had over the course of this season.

“Ultimately, they have the kind of character,” Reedy said. “They’ve showed all year the ability to persevere from those things. Yesterday was a little bit of a testament of how we can play basketball. Today was a testament of what kind of character we have.”

Junior Jordan Hamilton ensures that the team will come prepared come game time on Thursday in San Antonio against Cedar Park Vista Ridge (34-4).

“Every team is the same,” Hamilton said. “Except we have to play even better. We just want to play to our potential and do what we need to do to win.”

Reedy says the team will be focused, but will also have lots of fun too, enjoying the moments they have together.

“The most important thing is for them to have fun,” Reedy said. “Obviously we’re gonna get focused and that there’s some things we want to do and want to have some success. It’s a fun trip, but it’s also a business trip.”

But for senior Lauren McKeen, it’s one moment she won’t forget, and one feeling that won’t be forgotten either.

“I don’t know what to say,” McKeen said. “This is so surreal.”