Tuesday night was a monumental night for the girls’ basketball program before any basketball was even played, and once the game tipped off, it only got better.

The team’s first-round matchup was the culmination of a 12-win improvement over two seasons and the program’s first section title since 1980. It was also the first playoff appearance at all for the girls in nearly a decade. 

Simply reaching the postseason was an accomplishment for North Hills girls’ basketball, but they were not satisfied with just getting into the tournament.

That became evident immediately, as the Indians struck for 21 points in the first quarter, outscoring the visiting Plum Mustangs by 14 points. While the second quarter was more evenly played, North Hills still took a double-digit lead into halftime.

In the second half, the girls kept their foot on the gas and led by more than 30 points at times in the fourth quarter. When the final horn sounded, the Indians won 69-40 to claim their first postseason victory since 1979 when they reached the WPIAL championship game.

With the win, North Hills advances to face top-seeded Oakland Catholic. That game will be played on Friday at 6:00 at the Fox Chapel high school. Tickets for that game are on sale on the GoFan website.

Congratulations to the girls’ basketball team on a huge win, and good luck in the WPIAL Quarterfinals!