Its latest victory landed the Union girls basketball program in the state quarterfinals for the first time in 19 years.

But the Damsels aren't planning to stop there.

Union will follow up a 56-53 triumph over Conemaugh Valley Wednesday night by taking on District 10 champion Kennedy Catholic at 3 p.m. Saturday at Slippery Rock University's Morrow Fieldhouse.

Union (27-2) has won 21 consecutive games. A win Saturday will tie the program record for most wins in a season at 28 (1981-82).

Such pressure could affect the performance of some players, but that possibility is a long shot with this group.

"It's almost like the girls don't realize the arena in which they're playing," said Damsels coach Josh Meeker. "You know, you lose now and you're done. But they're just out there having fun."

One of the reasons for the loose play might have something to do with the way Meeker and his assistant, Jeff Shirey, handled the time in between playoff games.

"In years past, we talked so much about our next opponent and what their strengths were. I think we almost scared the girls with how good our opponent was supposed to be," said Meeker.

"This year, we've made sure the girls are prepared, but not to the point where they are so nervous entering the game," added Meeker.

Kennedy Catholic victimized Mount Alvernia (62-47) in the first round of the PIAA tournament before beating Clairton 60-57 in overtime Wednesday.

The Golden Eagles (23-4) know all about the pressures of the state playoffs.

The program has made the PIAA tournament in each of coach Pat Mastrian's four seasons with the team.

Seniors Hallie Arena, Alexis George and Teresa Picciotto were all members on Kennedy Catholic's 2001-02 squad that lost to Monessen in the western final.

The team began this season 3-3, but has won 20 of its last 21 games.

"I think the big thing is that in the last month and a half, we've really started running on teams," said Mastrian. "That's really opened things up for us inside and has also opened up some outside shots for us."

Center Kendra Radkowski is averaging 16 points per game to lead Kennedy Catholic, but she has increased her production late in the season.

"She scored 21 to lead us against (Clairton)," said Mastrian. "And over the last 10 games, she's probably averaging about 23 points.

"Kendra is not that big of a girl," the coach added. "She's 5-11, but she's thin. Opening things up for her inside is a key for us."

When Mastrian looks at Union, he sees a lot of similarities with his own team.

"Union likes to press and run, and that's what we like to do. They might not have the girl inside like we do, but, basically, the game plans are the same," he said.

"What it's going to come down to is which team better handles the defensive pressure," the coach added

The winner will meet the survivor of the Serra Catholic-Bishop Carroll game at 4 p.m. Saturday at Greensburg-Salem High School.

The last time the Union girls basketball team reached the PIAA quarterfinals was the 1985-86 season. Here is a look at the Damsels' run that season and their state playoff performaces so far this year.1985-86Coach: Ed JamisonDate Opponent Result Top performers3-12-86 Shade W (58-37) Tracie Murray 19 points, 17 reboundsStephanie Stitt 12 rebounds3-15-86 Farrell W (49-46) Jill Wensel 16 pointsStephanie Stitt 8 blocked shots3-18-86 Linesville L (62-51) Jill Wensel 21 points, 8 assistsBarb Runyan 16 points2004-05Coach: Josh MeekerDate Opponent Result Top performers3-5-05 Duquesne W (74-53) Andrea Mortimer 21 points, 8 reboundsBeth Koch 17 points, 7 rebounds3-9-05 Conemaugh Valley W (56-53) Andrea Mortimer 18 pointsBeth Koch 15 points, 7 rebounds3-12-05 Kennedy Catholic ? ?

<I>Union (27-2) vs. Kennedy Catholic (23-4)</I>Quarterfinals at SRU, 3 p.m., Saturday<B>Union</B>Pos. Name Ht. Yr. PpgG Janele Divins 5-4 So. 6.0G Molly Scott 5-6 Jr. 7.1G Bethany Koch 5-9 Jr. 13.5F Courtney Horner 5-8 Sr. 4.7F Andrea Mortimer 5-6 Jr. 16.3<B>Coach: Josh Meeker</B><B>Kennedy Catholic</B>Pos. Name Ht. Yr. PpgPG Hallie Arena 5-2 Sr. 9.5G Heather Brooks 5-4 So. 6.0C Kendra Radkowski 5-11 Jr. 16.0F Alexis George 5-8 Sr. 8.0F Teresa Picciotto 5-6 Sr. 3.0<B>Coach: Pat Mastrian</B>