FORT WAYNE – The Lakeland Christian Academy girls basketball team made history by playing in the program’s first IHSAA sectional game Tuesday night.

Unfortunately, the Cougars did not make history by winning the program’s first game as a member of the IHSAA.

A slow start was too much to overcome as LCA lost a 48-25 final to Hamilton in the opener of the Class 1-A Fort Wayne Canterbury Sectional.

Hamilton bolted to a 16-4 lead after the first quarter en route to the win. They led 24-10 at halftime before LCA rallied within six points in the third period before falling behind 37-20 at the end of the stanza.

Hamilton (8-13) advances to play Bethany Christian (12-9) at 6 p.m. Friday in a semifinal contest.

Senior Emilee Catron scored 10 points to lead the Cougars, who finish their season at 4-18 under first-year coach Ty Propp.

Senior Alisa Gross had six points and senior Jess Goss five for LCA. Juniors Morgan Holsclaw and Julianne Haines scored four points and one point respectively for the Cougars.

“LCA went into this sectional game ready to make history for the school,” said Propp. “They played with determination and tenacity, but we couldn’t keep up the intensity. We had great senior leadership this season. They each filled a crucial role for the whole team.”

Lindsey Stoy and Lindsey Upp each scored 14 points to lead Hamilton to the win.