Shooting through STAFF PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KENIGSBERG Meredith Berry of the Port Aransas High School Lady Marlins threads her way through the Falls City Beaverettes' defense during a game on Friday, Feb. 6. The Port Aransas High School

Lady Marlins lost to the state-ranked Falls City Beaverettes on Friday, Feb. 6, but the island girls remained in the play-off picture.

The Lady Marlins will play against Bruni High School for the bi-district championship at Agua Dulce High School at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16. If the Port Aransas girls win, they will play against the D'Hanis Cowgirls for the area championship. No date or location had been set for the game at press time, but it was expected to be between Feb. 19 and 21. D'Hanis is about 40 miles west of San Antonio.

The Port Aransas girls were beaten, 37-46, by the Beaverettes, who were ranked No. 15 in the state among 1A Division 1 high schools.

Despite the loss, Lady Marlins coach Stephanie Foerster said she was pleased with her team's effort.

Foerster singled out guard Emily Scott for special praise. Scott was perfect on her first four shots of the game, three of which were threepointers.

Ball battle STAFF PHOTO BY DAN PARKER Lady Marlin JV players battle for the ball with Falls City players. "She was outstanding tonight," Foerster said. "She made some big shots in the first half to keep us in it."

The Lady Marlins kept pace at first with the Beaverettes, who led by only three points at the end of the first quarter.

The Beaverettes proceeded to outscore the Lady Marlins, 23-12, in the next two quarters. The Lady Marlins made a charge in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points to Falls City's 13, but it wasn't enough to catch up.

Lady Marlin scorers: Hannah Jones, 15; Scott, 11; Meredith Berry, seven; Chelsea Perez, two; and Kelsey Ortiz, two.

With the loss, the Lady Marlins' record fell to 17-14 overall and 4-4 in district.

Driving STAFF PHOTO BY DAN PARKER Savannah Ortiz drives downcourt against Falls City Feb. 6.