After the best start they could have asked for in their annual Shoot For A Cure tournament, the Estevan Comprehensive School senior girls' basketball team ran out of steam in the semifinals.
The Elecs lost a close 49-45 game to the Melfort Comets on Saturday to bow out of championship contention.
ECS had beaten the Central Cyclones 42-32 in their opener on Friday night, fuelled by an 18-2 lead after the first quarter and a big crowd on hand.
"A win against Moose Jaw Central was a great start to our season on Friday night. The girls started strong and didn't look back," said Elecs head coach Jessie Smoliak.
ECS went on a 12-0 run to start the game and set the tone for the rest of the night.
They led 23-11 at the half, and 36-20 after the third quarter.
Although Central picked away at the lead in the last few minutes, they couldn't get close enough to put the game in doubt.
That win sent them to the semis against Melfort on Saturday afternoon, with only four points separating the Elecs from the tournament final.
Instead, they headed to the third place game, which they lost 62-48 to Indian Head.
Other teams taking part in the tournament were Swift Current, Weyburn, Melville and Swan River.
Meanwhile, the team raised more than $1,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society through donations, selling pink "Shoot For A Cure" shirts and baked goods. It was the third year they have used the tournament as a fundraiser to fight cancer.
Smoliak said the school's SRC did a great job of advertising, promoting and helping out on the weekend.
"I thought we had a great turnout, despite the weather. It is always a good feeling when we have our student body, staff members and fans from the community cheering on our school team. There was a lot of support for the tournament and fundraiser," she said.
The Elecs only have five returning players this year, with the rest being members of last year's junior girls squad, which won their district championship.
Smoliak said she was happy with the team's showing in its first game action of the year.
"With it being our first tournament and only having five practices, I thought the girls played really well together. I was very confident to play all of my players this weekend. I really wanted to see who played well with one another," she said.
Smoliak added that the Grade 10 players on the team "played well for being introduced to senior basketball," and that Grade 9 players Tess Lindquist and Taylor Boan have been fast learners.
"I am very excited for these two because they are aggressive and have the drive to score," she said.
"We have a lot to work on and my girls need to get into better shape. (I'm) looking forward to the season though."
