Seton Catholic was methodical, but not necessarily impressive in coach Karen Self's estimation after her pink-clad squad ruined Marcos de Niza's Senior Night with a 54-43 victory on Friday in the Division II girls basketball regular-season finale for both schools.

Seton ran its record to 24-5 overall and 18-1 in power-ranking games as it now readies itself for sectionals and then a chance at a D-II threepeat over the next three weeks. Its lone loss in the latter category was to D-I Mesquite. Marcos de Niza finished its season 9-16, 8-10. The Lady Padres will not qualify for postseason.

Seton never trailed. The Lady Sentinels led by six after the first period and by 16 at halftime. Marcos played more loose, perhaps more inspired, in the second half. The Lady Padres cut a 17-point deficit with 5:30 left to 51-43 with 1:15 to go, but the final two points scored by Seton freshman guard Sarah Barcello (17 points for the game) bumped the margin to 10 and ended any hopes of final-minute heroiics.

"We're not making the strides I want defensively and at times we're soft," Self said. With possibly six more games to play if a D-II title game is in the offing, Self says she needs more on defense more often.

Seton's offense has revolved around Barcello and sophomore point guard Liz Holter (team-high 18 points) since early January when twin sophomores Jenn and LeeAnne Wirth were idled by injuries. They've gradually worked back into the lineup as January ended and February began. If healthy they give Seton a legitimate post game. LeeAnne Wirth contributed four points and Jenn Wirth, two points. 

Marcos de Niza coach Jermaine Whitaker walked off the floor pleased with his team's performance, particularly the final 16 minutes. Marcos de Niza's top senior, Angelicah Tso, concluded her career with 17 points -- 13 in the first half.  Aurei King-Hill, a powerful 6-foot-2, junior post, also tallied 17 for Marcos. King-Hill was dominting in the second half inside, scoring 15 of her points i the third and fourth quarters. Whitaker's excited about having her back for another season.

"We played with a lot of heart," Whitaker said. "It's been an up-and-down year for us, but they gave a great effort tonight. Lots of heart."

Whitaker started his four seniors, who were honored before the game. With eight seconds left, he subbed them out to get a final round of applause for their careers. Two of the four seniors were in the program all four years, but played on varsity for the first time this year.