ROCHELLE — Josie Lundquist was one of three four-year varsity seniors who took the court to start the Rochelle Lady Hub basketball team’s Senior Night matchup against LaSalle-Peru. Lundquist was also one of four Rochelle seniors to score in double figures as the Lady Hubs fought to finish one of their most successful regular seasons in recent history with a victory.

Having pushed through a trio of tough seasons over the last three years, Lundquist and the Lady Hub seniors showcased their growth on Thursday, commanding the early lead over the 18-win Cavaliers and fending off a fierce rally to score a 60-54 Interstate 8 Conference win. The Lady Hubs (14-16, 7-7 Interstate 8) will now prepare for the IHSA 3A Rochelle Regional, which begins with a quarterfinal matchup against the Plano Reapers on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

“The support meant so much to all of us and we knew that we were all going to come out and play on top of our game,” Lundquist said. “Everybody cheered us on tonight and this team means so much to me. I’m really proud of how we played tonight… We came into this season not knowing what to expect, but we’ve put in the work and I’m so proud of this senior group.”

Six seniors were recognized before the varsity game including four-year varsity players Zoey Tabor, Lucy Bunger and Lundquist as well as Abby Luxton, Jordin Dickey and Adriannah Davis-Carter. Rochelle saw five different players make baskets in the first quarter, where the Lady Hubs slipped ahead 10-7 before Lundquist caught fire in the second quarter, knocking down a 3-pointer and finishing two tough drives to the rim for seven of her 11 points in the game.

“It’s a huge confidence booster for us,” Lundquist said. “We’ll be facing Plano for the third time this season and I think this win tonight sets us in the right direction… Having 14 wins this season and being successful is everything we want as seniors and it’s something we can be proud of.”

Despite a valiant effort from LaSalle-Peru guard Brooklyn Ficek, who scored 13 of her 16 points in the second quarter, Rochelle remained ahead 29-23 at the half. The Lady Hubs looked to shut down Ficek throughout the second half, limiting the talented guard to one 3-pointer in the third quarter behind stiff double teams and aggressive man-to-man defense on the perimeter.

Tabor took the torch for the Rochelle offense in the third quarter, sinking a pair of free throws after a drive to the hoop before burying a triple and putting home a layup for seven of her 15 points. Trailing 45-33 entering the fourth quarter, LaSalle-Peru leaned on guard Taylor Martyn, who shined with five 3-pointers made in the quarter, most coming from the left-side corner.

“It was such as awesome feeling to be out there with my teammates and get this win,” Tabor said. “The energy was great and everybody showed up for us tonight. We really appreciated all of the support from the fans. Coach [Ryan] McQuade has brought a new approach to the team and we’re working together and focusing on the small things. It’s a huge confidence booster for us to win this game on Senior Night and we’re ready to bring it at the regional on Saturday.”

Martyn’s incredible fourth-quarter shooting performance lifted her to a game-high 23 points and seven 3-pointers made, but the Lady Hubs successfully closed out the win. Rochelle’s forwards stood out late in the game, with Luxton going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points while freshman Kendyl Darby knocked down two low-post layups to end the evening with 11 points. Ficek totaled 16 points for LaSalle-Peru after a strong first half.