It’s been a rigorous season, but with a mystical win in overtime against the Braves the Norsewomen scripted a fairytale ending.

Demarest erased a 32-24 halftime deficit to take a 48-43 lead with 1:35 left in the game in front of their home crowd.

Unfortunately in the closing minute the Norsewomen had a meltdown, which not only let the Braves sneak back into the game, but also gave Indian Hills a chance to win.

The home team needed a miracle, as Indian Hills point guard Lisa Finizio stood at the free throw line.

If she had made the foul shot, it would have put the Braves up by one with 1.5 seconds left in the game.

But the attempt hit the rim and bounced out, which sent the game to overtime with the teams tied at 53-all.

Demarest dominated in the extra quarter, out-scoring the Braves 8-0 for the 61-53 win.

"There were butterflies in my stomach heading into overtime," said Kim Dabagian. "The win means a lot, especially since it’s my last year. You just want to leave it all out on the court."

Indian Hills looked strong on both sides of the ball in the first quarter. The Braves leapt to deflect inside passes on defense, while snagging offensive rebounds to earn multiple scoring opportunities.

Danielle Brogan looked untouchable, torching the home team defense for 10 points in the first quarter.

Demarest didn’t get on the scoreboard until the 4:05 mark, when Alissa Migliore sank a shot from behind the arc. Jamie Rubin followed with a three-pointer of her own.

"When it comes to perimeter shooting, they know when to take opportunities and when to give the ball up," said Demarest coach Jennifer Leahy.

On the other side of the hardwood the Norsewomen couldn’t keep up with the away team’s cutters. By the end of the first quarter, Demarest trailed 14-8.

The Braves opened the second quarter with three turnovers and the Norsewomen were able to capitalize. Every time the home team got close, however, Indian Hills relied on their height for inside baskets. Demarest adjusted and double-teamed Rachael Watkins, since she had a few inches on Dabagian.

"On defense we needed to keep playing strong," said Rubin. "We knew we had to box out the girls down low and if we did this we weren’t going to go away."

Leahy screamed at her players to "deny" and "pressure" the Braves offense.

Demarest looked like a completely different team in the second half, as the inside shots that previously rimmed out finally fell.

Caroline Becker and Dabagian not only boxed out, but also aided their team offensively with key buckets. Demarest blazed on the comeback trail on the strength of a 13-2 run.

"In the first half we had nothing falling and we needed another way to find the hoop," said Leahy. "So we started working inside together, while getting a better feel on reading each other."

The Braves had no answer for this offensive scheme, as Rubin would draw defenders on the outside before tossing a lollipop pass inside to an open Becker or Dabagian.

"In the second half we came out fired-up and we wanted the win," said Migliore. "We had the energy."

Dabagian put the Norsewomen up 35-34, their first lead in the game, by hitting a foul shot with 3:50 left in the third quarter. The forward went to the line after fighting for an offensive rebound and being held on the put back attempt.

"They were fouling us a lot and by doing that it only makes us work harder until we’re able to finally break free from defenders," said Dabagian.

The home team also clamped down on defense making Indian Hills turn the ball over on forced passes.

"I think we did a fine job of picking each other up," said Becker. "Our communication was key. When someone was down we talked them through it."

Demarest held onto a slim 40-38 lead going into the final quarter of regulation.

Dabagian and Becker continued to thoroughly contain the Indian rebounders, giving the Norsewomen control of the tempo and clock. These aspects combined with tremendous ball movement let Jaimie Beddoe drain a three-pointer, putting the home team up 44-38 with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter.

Indian Hills kept pace, though, as Demarest had a three-minute scoring drought. Once again the inside shots were not falling. The Norsewomen tried to milk the clock, but the Braves were aggressive.

With 20 seconds to go and the score 53-50 in favor of the home team, the crowd was roaring.

But Brogan, who was held scoreless in the third quarter, swished a three-pointer and the Demarest faithful fell silent.

As the players gathered in front of the bench before overtime, Leahy spoke about how with all the breaks the Norsewomen had received, it was a sign from above telling her team to win.

After losing the lead in the closing minutes, Dabagian and Rubin were inspired.

The duo opened the overtime quarter with an inside jumper apiece. Migliore sealed Demarest’s second victory of the season with four foul shots.

"I know they have the potential, it’s just a matter of getting in the flow together," said Leahy. "Once they’re able to do that it’s all fine on the court."

By the end of the grueling game, four Norsewomen had scored in double-digits.

"It’s been a rough season and when it came down to overtime, everyone wanted it," said Migliore. "We wanted to go out with a bang."