Three words that sum up St Joseph’s Regional College and their year 9/10 girls state title campaign in Sydney.

A 38-36 quarter-final defeat to Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College from North Sydney ended their quest to become the best Catholic school in New South Wales.

Overtime beckoned with the scores locked at 36-all inside the final minute until Monte Sant’ Angelo hit the front with just 30 seconds remaining.

St Joseph’s manager Janine Handley said it was a case of what might have been.

“There were a few tears after the game,” Handley said.

“A few baskets didn’t quite fall for us so were a little disappointed because we felt it was there for the taking.”

Composure under pressure ultimately was the difference with the inexperience of the Port Macquarie school’s young team proving their downfall.

“We only had two year 10s in the group so the rest of them will have another year under their belt and eight of the 10 will be back again next year,” Handley said.

Before they headed to Penrith, the manager felt their lack of size around the basket could have proven to be a challenge.

In the end, it was the case.

“They had a lot of height; they were big girls and that was something that we were lacking,” she said.

Their cause wasn’t helped when Prada Hanlon was injured just before half-time in the quarter-final defeat.

Without Hanlon’s size inside the key, St Joseph’s struggled.

“That didn’t help; if that didn’t happen maybe things might have been different,” Handley said.

The manager said utility Shannon Burton was strong for the side with her ability to “play anywhere”.

“She doesn’t like playing one position, but she will for the team.”

St Joseph’s claimed two wins from their three pool games with their only loss coming to St Pius X College Adamstown.

The Newcastle school then went on to claim the title.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News.

To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.