For the City Times

NEKOOSA – The Nekoosa girls basketball team hosted Black River Falls in the first round of the Division 2 regional play where they won their first postseason game in four years.

The Papermakers met Black River Falls earlier this season and fell to them, 60-42.

The first half of the game was a back and forth battle, but the Papermakers were able to take a 24-14 lead into the second half.

BRF made a run in the second half and the girls were able to get it to 27-24, but Nekoosa’s defense picked up and the offense stepped up to increase the lead.

Nekoosa won the game, 42-36, to move on to the second round of the tournament at Prescott.

Nekoosa was led by Marissa Harnisch, who scored 12 points for the Papermakers. Kiya Kolo added 10 of her own.

Nekoosa will play their regional semi-final game at Prescott High School on Feb. 28; game time is 7 p.m.