HAILEY WILSON PHOTO

BY RICH PALZEWIC
CORRESPONDENT

SUAMICO – Bay Port’s Grace Van Egeren scored the biggest field goal of her senior season in the Pirates’ 76-34 victory over Manitowoc Lincoln Jan. 30.

Unfortunately for the senior on the girls’ basketball team, that will be the only two points she will score all year.

Out since July 23, 2017, with a torn ACL in her left knee, Van Egeren, along with the other four seniors on the team, were given the starting nod in the senior-night victory over the Ships.

After the Pirates “won” the opening tip, Van Egeren was assisted on a layup by team manager Amber Dreier for the first two points of the game.

When Manitowoc tied the game at two with its own bucket, Van Egeren exited the contest and was mobbed by her teammates and coaches. There were also plenty of tears to go around, as emotions were running high.

“It was a very emotional night and it meant so much to me,” said Van Egeren, who will play college basketball at UW-Eau Claire next season. “I want to thank everyone who was a part of it and my coaches, and teammates for always having my back through everything.”

Grace would have been looked upon as a big part of the team this season, but she didn’t get the chance to do that for a Bay Port squad that is 14-3 overall and 11-2 in the FRCC – tops in the conference.

Before the game started Van Egeren could be seen chatting with teammates and heard saying that she “was worried she might miss the opening shot of the game.”

We can all take inspiration from Grace and what she’s gone through – it’s not an easy thing to miss your final year of high school sports. Although she will be playing in college, she will never get the chance to suit up again as a high school player.

Van Egeren has been going through physical therapy, but will not be cleared for normal activity until sometime in May.