JACKSON TWP — What better way to celebrate Senior Recognition Night than by knocking off the lone undefeated team in the section?

Todd Schoeffel thought so, too — which just added to the letdown when it didn't happen.

The Raiders led mighty New Castle 35-34 with two minutes remaining in the game before their offense went cold in a 42-35 defeat Monday night.

When New Castle's Ryenn Micaletti hit a 2-point basket with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter, the Red Hurricanes (20-2, 13-0) took a 36-35 lead. SV never led again, as it unable to score for the rest of the game.

Seneca Valley has lost to the Red Hurricanes six straight times, with the last five losses coming by no more than seven points.

"It's frustrating, and I'm especially disappointed for the seniors," Schoeffel said. "I was really hoping they'd get this win tonight."

On a night when New Castle's star junior forward Jaleesa Sams was held to only nine points, including three field goals, it was Micaletti who stepped to the fore.

The junior guard led her team with 16 points, including two free throws that made it a two-possession game at 40-35 with 20.9 seconds remaining.

"She has the ability to take charge, but sometimes sits back," said New Castle coach Luann Grybowski of her top backcourt player. "When her and Jaleesa are both playing well, they make a great 1-2 punch."

"I think we match up with New Castle pretty well," said Schoeffel. "But Micaletti is probably the X-factor."

Seneca Valley (15-6, 9-4) received strong performances from Ashley Turici (17 points) and Tina Mangola (12).

The two seniors scored eight and six points, respectively, in the second period and the Raiders trailed just 21-20 at halftime.

"When we broke their press and had our heads up and saw the floor, we did well," said Schoeffel. "But then they went to a trap defense and that's when we started to have trouble."

SV, which led 31-29 entering the final quarter, scored only five points in the final 10 minutes of the game.

The Hurricanes can complete a perfect run in section play by beating Butler at home on Friday.

Dating back to last season, New Castle has won 17 straight Section 3-AAAA games.

"At the beginning of the season, we talked about just winning the section," said Grybowski. "But after we got through the first half 7-0, we started saying to ourselves, 'Hey, maybe we can (go undefeated).'"

The Raiders, who already have qualified for postseason play, do not want to enter the playoffs after losing three consecutive section contests.

They can avoid that by winning their section finale Thursday at Pine-Richland.

"Winning that one would assure us of second place in the section," said Schoeffel. "It's a big game."

SV's senior players who were recognized were Michelle Ulizio, Laura Wray, Ashley Turici, Chelsey Pavlick, Tina Mangola and Ryan Ingrassia.

NEW CASTLE 42Ryenn Micaletti 5 6-8 16, Nikki Karatinos 1 4-4 6, Logan Hartman 1 2-2 4, Shirl Jones 1 0-1 2, Jaleesa Sams 3 3-8 9, Kara Joseph 2 0-0 5, Abby Allen 0 0-0 0, Nikki Wise 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 15-23 42.

SENECA VALLEY 35Chelsey Pavlick 1 0-0 2, Ryan Ingrassia 1 0-0 2, Tina Mangola 5 2-3 12, Ashley Turici 8 1-2 17, Amanda Johnson 1 0-0 2, Laura Wray 0 0-1 0, Courtney Grootegoed 0 0-0 0, Kelsey Spencer 0 0-0 0, Jackie Mangola 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16 3-6 35.

3-point goals: Joseph.

JV: New Castle 42-35

Thursday: Seneca Valley @ Pine-Richland