Tyrone Bocce entered Friday’s match at Huntingdon knowing a loss would end its playoff hopes. But instead of folding under the weight of the pressure, the Golden Eagles rose to the occasion, defeating the Bearcats 7-2 in match one and 8-3 in match two.

The win means that both Tyrone teams will advance to the district playoffs on Friday, February 20.

“Considering how we played in the rest of the seasons so far, this was the best we could have played,” said sophomore Cadence Dickson.

Tyrone Black got off to a hot start in the first match, scoring the first points for an early 2-0 lead, before Huntingdon made the score 2-1.

After Huntingdon scored, Tyrone responded the best they could, scoring two points, then three right after that, making the score 7-1. Huntingdon scored one point, bringing the final score to 7-2 in favor of Tyrone.

“Those kids, for the first time this season, came together playing with confidence, pride, and excitement. We are ready for what is next for us,” said coach Kate Coltenbaugh.

Match two started with Tyrone Orange kept piling up points, one point, another one-point roll, and then two points. Before Huntingdon knew it, they were down 7-0.

Huntingdon tried to stage a comeback, scoring three points to cut the deficit to 7-4. Huntingdon then had to score three points to tie and four to win.

But Tyrone was able to shut the door, and the final score ended up 8-4 in favor of Tyrone.

“We played our A-Game, playing the best that we played all season, especially knowing that this could be the last time playing this season,” Coach Shannon Davis said.

Tyrone did exactly what they needed to do to make the district playoffs, which was score a lot of points while winning.

The playoff round will be held at Mount Union Area High School on January 20, beginning at 3:45 pm, with Team One playing Mount Union, and Team Two playing Tussey Mountain.