NEW CARLISLE, Ohio — The Miami Valley Christian Academy girls basketball team saw its memorable postseason run come to an end Saturday afternoon, falling to Russia, 61-28, in the OHSAA Division VII District Championship at Tecumseh High School.

The Raiders, who entered the championship game with a 25-4 record, used their experience to claim the district title, while the Lions battled until the final buzzer in their first district championship appearance of the season.

Although the result wasn't what MVCA hoped for, the Lady Lions closed the year with a 9-12 record and a District Runner-Up finish after an impressive late-season turnaround. Following a challenging regular season, Miami Valley Christian caught its stride in tournament play, defeating Cincinnati College Prep Academy 58-16 before knocking off Lockland 56-27 to earn a spot in the district championship.

Throughout the season, the Lions showed resilience and steady growth, earning quality victories while continuing to develop as a team. That progress culminated in a postseason run that placed MVCA among the final two teams in the district and marked one of the program's deepest tournament appearances in recent years.

Russia advances to the regional tournament with the victory, while Miami Valley Christian finishes the 2025-26 campaign with plenty to celebrate. The Lady Lions' determination, perseverance, and postseason success laid a strong foundation for the future and provided a season the program can build on for years to come.