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Kaitlin Giacone’s memorable freshman season in college basketball ended on Saturday, just one win shy of qualifying for the state championship game.

The 2024 Eureka High graduate enjoyed an outstanding debut season on the college courts and helped lead the College of the Sequoias women’s team to the state semifinals.

However, on Saturday evening the Giants lost their semifinal against Mt. San Antonio 57-50 to end their season.

The loss was the first of the season for Giacone and the Giants, who closed out with a record of 31-1.

Giacone, who was a two-time MVP of the Big 5 in basketball and was named the 2024 Humboldt Sports Big 5 Girls Athlete of the Year, finished the game with seven points, seven rebounds and three assists.

The Mounties trailed by one at halftime but took control of the game with a big third quarter and held on down the stretch.

The SAC girls would go on to win a record ninth state championship in the sport on Sunday, defeating Orange Coast 52-39 in the championship game.

Giacone, who helped lead the Giants to a 12-0 record in the Central Valley Conference, was named to the all-conference team this season.

She led the conference in field-goal percentage (58-9 percent).

For the season, Giacone averaged 8.6 points and 6.3 rebounds a game.