With heavy hearts for their absent coach, the Ambridge Bridgers played strong on Wednesday night, but they could not overcome the play of the West Allegheny Indians on WMBA.

Absent for Ambridge was head coach Mark Jula, whose son Brett was killed in an auto accident in St. Louis last week. Assistant coach Matt Kupper filled in for Jula in the first-round game tonight.

The Bridgers led for the majority of the first half, taking a 29-23 lead at the midway marker. But West Allegheny charged back to outscore Ambridge 18-9 in the third, before completing the comeback to hold on 64-61 in the first round of the WPIAL AAA Playoffs.

The Indians were led by Jared Lanni who had 22 points, while Darius Lawrence led all scorers with 28 for the Bridgers. Both men were selected as CCBC Players of The Game.

#8 West Allegheny advances to play #1 New Castle on Friday. Ambridge’s season ends at 11-11.

Tom Hays has this full scoring recap for beavercountyradio.com.