Backstrom?s two free throws with 3.7 seconds remaining capped a late Ridgefield surge to seal a 72-69 Spudders victory over Woodland in a 2A district loser-out playoff game at Mark Morris High School on Friday evening.

Behind 59-52 after three quarters, the Spudders outscored Woodland 20-10 in the fourth quarter to steal the game and eliminate Woodland.The Spudders now head to the state tournament in Tacoma for a first round game next Wednesday.

Trailing until midway through the fourth quarter and down by 11 points early in the third, it was a dramatic comeback for the Spudders that had their fans screaming while the Beavers? watched in disbelief.

?Right now, this is way bigger for us than winning state,? said Hefflin, as she wiped streaking mascara away from her eyes. ?We?re so tired of being second best. There was no way we were going to lose. We just fought and fought until we won.?

As the Spudders pounded the ball inside to Hefflin for points in the paint, Backstrom was continually sent to the foul line each time she sliced through the Woodland defense.

?I still say Lauren?s the best player in our league,? Spudders coach Joe Potter said. ?Our girls just would not quit. They have so much heart. There were a number of times they could have given up, but they never did.?

Peabody pushed the Beavers to a 36-30 halftime lead, scoring 13 first-half points, and converting four steals into lay-ins.She also led a late comeback by Woodland after the Beavers went cold in the fourth quarter.

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