RCTC WBB lose heartbreaker in National semis

(ABC 6 News) – The RCTC Yellowjackets were looking to achieve the opportunity of a lifetime and play for the national championship on their home floor.

But Friday afternoon, one shot from the Owen Express ended that chance.

The Yellow Jackets battled back from a 36-28 deficit at halftime to take a 61-60 lead with 1:24 to go in the fourth quarter.

From there, Owen’s Cierra Harris followed that up with a layup to give Owens the lead.

RCTC was forced to foul on the next two Owens possessions but the Express was only able to knock down 1-4 free throws and led 63-61 with only 20 seconds remaining.

The Jackets’ Olivia Christianson then was fouled and knocked down two free throws to tie the game with only 19 seconds left on the clock.

A timeout by the Express set up the game-winning three by Taylor Starks.

The guard maintained possession near midcourt until with two seconds remaining moved to the top of the key where she was met by two Jacket defenders who contested the long three.

The shot went down and the clock showed only .1 seconds left in the game.

RCTC was unable to get a shot away and will now settle for an opportunity to play in the Third Place game Saturday at 2 pm vs Minnesota West Community and Technical College.