Loyola Academy secured a historic victory in the Illinois Class 4A girls basketball championship, finishing the season with a flawless 38-0 record by defeating Nazareth Academy 44-40. Loyola's Paige Engels and Aubrey Galvan led the charge, outplaying Nazareth in a memorable 4A title game.

The Big Picture

This win marks Loyola Academy as the third girls' basketball team in IHSA history to achieve a perfect 38-0 season, alongside a similar feat by Lincoln in the 3A category on the same day.

By the Numbers
  • Loyola Academy finished the season with a 38-0 record
  • Paige Engels scored 17 points, and Aubrey Galvan added 15 in the championship game
  • Nazareth Academy, with Olivia Austin and Stella Sakalas contributing 16 points each, ended the season 32-4
State of Play
  • Loyola triumphed despite a height disadvantage, showcasing resilience in their 44-40 victory
  • Loyola's effective defense limited Nazareth's 3-pointers, leading to a critical 15-2 scoring run in the third quarter
Bottom Line

Loyola Academy's historic win in the championship game, completing a 38-0 season, highlights their remarkable resilience and skill in overcoming challenges, securing a well-deserved place in IHSA history alongside Lincoln.