The Paul VI Panthers defeated Notre Dame Academy 55-53 to win the 2004 Virginia Independent Schools Division One title. The championship game was played March 6 at Flint Hill H.S. in Oakton.

PVI, coached by Scott Allen, had the unenviable job of replacing starting point guard Sara Vargas who severely twisted an ankle two minutes into the contest.

Allen, who also won the title last season, brought freshman Erin Furey off of the bench and Furey (eight points) admirably filled in for Vargas.

The Panthers trailed the "Lady Dragons," coached by Mike Teasley, 31-30 at intermission.

"NDA was very deep and very athletic. This was one of the most exciting games that I have ever been involved in as a player or as a coach," said Allen.

PVI went on a 7-0 run late in the third quarter to take a narrow lead. Furey and junior forward Scarlett Williams both knocked down treys. With less than two minutes remaining in the contest, the Lady Panthers led 54-51.

The Lady Dragons converted a layup as they were fouled, but then missed the ensuing free throw. Thus, PVI clung to a narrow 54-53 lead.

The "Black and Gold" turned the ball over on their next offensive sequence. NDA was fouled but missed the front end of the "one and one."

Panther junior standout post Kendra King got the rebound and passed the ball to Furey.

The freshman was fouled and proceeded to convert one of two free throws for the game’s final margin.

"We only missed one second half free throw. We knocked down something like 12 of 16 free throws during the course of the back and forth game," said Allen.

The Lady Panthers were led by King (13 points, 14 rebounds), Williams (13 points) and senior forward Victoria Liaros (11).

It was the "swan song" for Panther seniors: Liaros, Marcellin, Spina as well as Meredith Mangas and Christine Reilly.

For the tournament, King was chosen MVP. Liaros and Vargas also made the all-tournament team.

In the semi-finals one day earlier, PVI defeated a valiant O'Connell squad at Flint Hill. For the season, King made WCAC "second-team." Liaros, Vargas and Williams made "honorable mention." PVI has won eight of the nine VIS Championships since the Tournament started.