DAYTON -- "We had it in the palm of our hands and it slipped out," said Ciara Poppa while reflecting on Carroll's state loss in 2011.
For two years Carroll's been dwelling on their state title game loss, by just three points. They thought they would be back in 2012, but were upset in regionals.
"Our heads got a little big, we weren't expecting to lose. When we did it was a little sting," said Poppa
"Last year we had more expectations for ourselves and we kind of let ourselves down," explained Suzy Wollenhaupt.
No one took the loss harder then best friends Ciara Poppa, Suzy Wollenhaupt, and Lindsey Blanford.
" We have been playing together since 5th grade," Poppa told me.
Wollenhaupt added, "It's weird, because it's like wow that much time has passed?"
Now, best case scenario the trio has six games left together.
"It's bitter sweet. I'm really sad that this is the last year i get to play with them. But it's been the most fun ride ever," smiled Lindsey Blanford.
Coach Rob Berry says the seniors have played 120 games together, and that experience, especially going to state, is soaked in by the younger Patriots.
"I think it instills in the younger kids a desire. They can tell them how it is, and give them the feeling, but until they get there it's a different story," said Berry.
From elementary school to senior year they've played countless games, but it all comes down to one more run at the biggest win of all.
"We win state, nothing more, nothing less," said Poppa.
"That would mean the world to me, especially to do it with my sisters that would be the best thing ever. Like just awesome! I would never forget it," smiled Blanford.
For two years Carroll's been dwelling on their state title game loss, by just three points. They thought they would be back in 2012, but were upset in regionals.
"Our heads got a little big, we weren't expecting to lose. When we did it was a little sting," said Poppa
"Last year we had more expectations for ourselves and we kind of let ourselves down," explained Suzy Wollenhaupt.
No one took the loss harder then best friends Ciara Poppa, Suzy Wollenhaupt, and Lindsey Blanford.
" We have been playing together since 5th grade," Poppa told me.
Wollenhaupt added, "It's weird, because it's like wow that much time has passed?"
Now, best case scenario the trio has six games left together.
"It's bitter sweet. I'm really sad that this is the last year i get to play with them. But it's been the most fun ride ever," smiled Lindsey Blanford.
Coach Rob Berry says the seniors have played 120 games together, and that experience, especially going to state, is soaked in by the younger Patriots.
"I think it instills in the younger kids a desire. They can tell them how it is, and give them the feeling, but until they get there it's a different story," said Berry.
From elementary school to senior year they've played countless games, but it all comes down to one more run at the biggest win of all.
"We win state, nothing more, nothing less," said Poppa.
"That would mean the world to me, especially to do it with my sisters that would be the best thing ever. Like just awesome! I would never forget it," smiled Blanford.
