Crestwood High’s Kate Gallagher looks for the pass as she is pressured by Strath Haven’s Kate Fox (5) and Strath Haven Olivia Voshell (11) in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Class 5A championship on Saturday March 15, 2025 at Easton Middle School.. (John Haeger / Staff Photographer)
By Matt Smith
An argument could be made that the team most deserving of a win in Saturday’s PIAA Class 5A quarterfinal wasn’t the one that advanced.
Strath Haven saw its improbable run come to an end at Easton Area Middle School. Crestwood, at times too relaxed while trying to bleed the clock in the fourth quarter, may consider itself fortunate to have survived.
Even after Crestwood built a 13-point lead in the third quarter, the Panthers weren’t finished. It was appropriate that Haven came within a few inches of tying the game in the final minute, two clean 3-point attempts from senior Maryella Gill and freshman Maddie Fanning falling just short. The Panthers thrived all season on controlled chaos – and nearly pulled off their wildest win yet.
Strath Haven (15-14), which had clawed its way through district playbacks just to earn a states berth, then shocked everyone with two upset wins, finally ran out of time, falling 54-47 to the District 2 champions.
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