Pattonville JV girls’ basketball has been working hard every day this season, practicing and preparing for the excitement of their first game. Finally, the time has come, and on Dec. 6, the team played its first game of the season and beat Oakville 22-21.

With the game tied 20-20 in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter, the varsity team stood behind the bench, keeping an eye on each player’s every move on the court.

A Pattonville player fouled one of Oakville’s players and the Tigers got the opportunity to shoot two free throws. She was 1-for-2 on the line and put Oakville ahead by 1 point.

It remained that way until the last 10 seconds of the contest.

Freshman Kaeli Benedict got hold of the ball and drove straight into the lane. She took a shot and made it, getting the Pirates ahead 22-21.

Oakville took a 3-point shot as the buzzer went off but the ball did not land in the basket and the game ended with Pattonville holding on to the 1-point victory.