The match up in girls basketball of the second-seeded Massapequa Cheifs and the fifth-seeded Lawrence Golden Tornados produced a highly competitive Nassau Class A championship game.

The Cheifs, coached by Shari Roessler, jumped into the game immediately. Outstanding shooting, including a three-pointer by sophmore Lauren Carone, helped Massapequa to a seven point lead after the first quarter.

Lawrence pulled ahead on their offensive game, outscoring Massapequa, and ending the half with a 25-24 advantage.

The Cheifs were not ready to give up, coming out of the locker room with a 20 point third quarter. This run was led by junior Kerri Reub, with four field goals, and All-Long Island player Mary Anne Abiuso. Strong defense by juniors Elizabeth Giancola and Susan Girvan, and sophmore Lindsay Sampson held off Lawerence's offensive attempts.

In the final quarter, the Massapequa girls stepped it up, using their speed to power them to a 61-50 victory.

Massapequa advances to the Southeast Regional final on March 14 at Suffolk Community College.

Carrie-Ann Ferraro is a junior at Massapequa High School and a contributor to the Massapequan Observer.