MANTI — The Manti girls basketball team closed out its regular-season with a 52-41 loss to Union.
The Lady Templars conclude the season with an 11-9 overall record, and a 4-4 record in Region 14 play. Manti finished third in the region standings despite being the only team with an overall winning record.
Additionally, per RPI final rankings release this weekend, the Lady Templars earned the No. 9 seed in the 3A state tournament playoff, due to begin this week.
“I think we are in a really good place,” coach Brennon Schweikart said. “We are ready mentally to go and do some things. We have had a great season, and I am proud of our ladies’ maturity and how well they have responded to adversity this year. They are excited to play Friday.”
Prior to Manti’s final game, they hosted to a non-region 1A matchup with Bryce Valley. The Lady Templars came away with the closer-than-expected 39-30 win over the Mustangs. Senior Breanne Wayman led the team with 12 points, while senior Sharlie Alder scored 11 points.
Against Union, senior center Charlee Mandel returned to the lineup and led the team with 12 points. Union got ahead of the Lady Templars early, outscoring them 17-7 in the first quarter. Union then built a 29-13 lead, at the half. After scoring 12 points in the first half against Bryce Valley, the Lady Templars played only scored 13 in the opening half against Union.
Manti’s No. 9 spot in the playoff got them a bye in the first round, setting up yet another 8/9 matchup in the second round, the same seeding they had last year before getting steamrolled by the eventual champions, Morgan. This time, Manti will play Carbon. The game will be played at Carbon on Friday.