The first round of sectionals for the Lady Indians began Feb. 6 against the 17-4 Gary West Side Cougars.

“I was definitely expecting a tough game. We knew they were going to be quick and we would need to play better overall,” Jessica Bell (12) said.

Gary West Side was favored to win the entire sectional. Throughout the first half, the Cougars stayed on top of the Indians by a few points.

“I was nervous about it, but I would rather be down at half and come back than have to maintain the lead for an entire half,” Bell said.

Around the end of the 3rd quarter, the momentum in the Munster Mustangs gym swung in favor of the Indians.

“We knew we were still in it. We could work together and get it done. I feel we wanted it more than them,” Tara Zlotkowski (10) said.

In the end, the Lady Indians pulled out a hard-fought “W” with the final score being 51-41.

“I think what we did Wednesday was successful. We have to work on the little things and we’ll be fine,” Zlotkowski said.

The girls will be competing against East Chicago on Friday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Munster High School.