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The last time B-A’s girls basketball team faced West Middlesex, it was like the weight of the world hung on the game.

Not surprising, considering it was the 2019 PIAA championship game in Hershey, a game the Lady Devils won to record a second straight state title.

The stakes weren’t quite as high last Friday, but the latest matchup had significance nonetheless.

Playing at Hempfield High School in Greensburg, the Lady Devils jumped on top early and held off a late comeback attempt to deal the Reds a 52-42 loss to advance to the PIAA 2A elite 8.

B-A will take on Homer Center Tuesday at Central Cambria for a shot in the final four.

“It’s exciting because not everyone thought that we could go this far,” said junior Chelsea McCaulsky. “It’s a good experience and a lot of fun, too.”

The Lady Devils led by three after the first quarter (15-12) but took control in the second with a 15-3 run to go up 30-15 by hlaftime. It eas a 17-point lead going into the fourth quarter, and though B-A made it interesting by missing some key foul shots in the final frame, the Lady Devils were still able to hold on for the double-digit win.

B-A had two players reach double figures  – Jaidyn McCracken (14) and Chelsea McCaulsky (12) – but their big edge came on the boards. Lydia Worthing led the Lady Devils with 15 boards while McCracken ripped down 14.

Homer Center won the District 6 2A title by defeating Bishop McCort, which had knocked off B-A in the semifinals.