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MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARATHON – The Auburndale girls basketball team came up a win short of a return to the sectionals after losing 42-35 to Marathon in a WIAA Division 4 regional final Saturday night at Marathon High School.
The Apaches, who reached the sectional final a year ago before losing to Algoma, end their season with a 19-5 record. Auburndale had handed Marathon its only loss this season back on Jan. 6.
Marathon (23-1) moves on to a Division 3 sectional semifinal Thursday against Crandon (19-6) at Wausau West. Shiocton (14-10) and Algoma (19-4) play in the other semifinal at Seymour, with the winners matching up in a sectional final March 7 at Antigo.
Marathon led 20-13 at halftime and maintained its lead as the teams broke even in the second half.
Auburndale cut its deficit to four late, but Marathon finished off the win at the free throw line.
Taylor Gotz scored 16 points to lead Auburndale.
Raiders 42, Apaches 35
Auburndale 5 8 7 15 – 35
Marathon 10 10 7 15 – 42
AUBURNDALE (35): Allison Linzmeier 4, Cheyenne Karl 3, Sylviann Momont 1, Paiton Richardson 7, Shannon Yahnke 4, Taylor Gotz 16. Record: 19-5.
MARATHON (42): Julia Anderson 2, Morgan Rachu 11, Olivia Meurette 4, Amanda Kind 4, Natasha Hanke 12, Emily Kind 9. Record: 23-1.