The Washington Demon girls basketball team pulled off the win last night over Fairfield, but it was not without a dramatic finish.

Washington won 49-44 to move on in the regional tournament and face Grinnell on Saturday. Before the game, head coach Phil Long challenged Stephanie Fishback and Dylann Schluetter to shoot the three-point shot, because Fairfield will not guard them on the outside. Fishback took it personal, and nailed two three’s in the first quarter to help the demons tie after one 10-10. Washington pulled away in the second quarter, as Fairfield seemed to be out of sorts and turn the ball over a lot on the offensive end. The Demons took advantage, and Schluetter answered coaches challenge with a three ball, while Dema Giardino hit a couple to put the Demons out in front 29-22 at half.

In the second half things changed drastically. Washington couldn’t get any shots to land, the game became more physical and desperate, and the calls on the floor changed from letting them play, to a bit more random, putting the Demons in foul trouble early. The Demons hung on to the lead, but now led by five 38-33. The fourth quarter really got physical, with bodies on the floor, and Grace Redlinger and Hanna Greiner getting into it before the in-bounds play had even started. The Trojans went on a 5-0 run to tie up the game, but Washington battled back and went on their own 5-0 run to get the lead back. The Trojans did everything they could to win the game, but in the end it wasn’t enough and the Demons are moving on.

Washington was led by Dema Giardino with 12 points, while Schluetter had 10, Fishback had nine and Redlinger had eight.

Washington’s next game is on Saturday at Grinnell.