Ben Lypka,
Black Press
Playing on a torn ACL all season, Yarrow native Sienna Lenz and her Abbotsford Panthers fell one game shy of a provincial championship, losing 67-57 to Surrey’s Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers in the senior girl’s AAA final last weekend.
The Grade 11 student was trying to help Abby snap a title drought that dates back to 1984. But with a young roster that included her Grade 9 sister Marin, Sienna’s team couldn’t keep up to their more experienced foes.
Abby was playing without Grade 12 difference-maker Tausani Levale, who is participating in the Las Vegas Invitational rugby tournament.
“They had a few more bodies than us,” said Sienna and Marin’s father and the Abbotsford head coach, Prentice Lenz. “With their depth they were able to give some of their girls some rest, and stay a little fresher. We had five girls that played almost 40 minutes.
“I think we just ran out of gas. I was happy with our start and the way we played in the first half, but the girls left it out on the floor. They played hard.”
Sienna knew going into the game that she was facing knee surgery on Wednesday.
That didn’t stop her from posting a team-high 16 points while Marin drained 15.
Sienna was named a first-team tournament all-star and was also recognized as the top defensive player.
Prentice admitted it was difficult balancing what is right for his daughter’s health, with her desire to be on the floor and help the team.
“Your stomach is churning and you’re just worrying about every little thing out there,” he said, chuckling.
Both Lenz girls will be eligible to return next season and the Panthers will be expecting to make another run.
“It’s a fantastic group of girls, and so much fun to be a part of,” Prentice said.
