Seabury Academy’s girls basketball team ended its season like it played all year.

There was nothing unusual about the Seahawks’ loss in Monday’s opening round of the Class 1A regionals — a more talented Highland team easily handled the Seahawks, 51-24, at South Junior High.

“From the very beginning of the year our goal was to improve,” Seabury coach Tracy Kitson said. “And you know what, we did that.”

Kitson also positively assessed the Seahawks’ first season sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Assn.

“I’m sure they were all disappointed a bit by a 4-12 season,” she said. “There were times where my competitive nature made it very frustrating on me.

“But they never gave up, and I’m so proud of them for that.”

Seabury didn’t give up Monday, but the Bluestreaks outscored the Seahawks 28-8 during the second and third quarters, and Seabury’s season was all but over.

“It was an experience,” said Janie Schneider, Seabury’s lone senior. “I hope that these girls stick together and can come back in the future and beat some of the bigger schools that we started to play this year.”

To do that, the Seahawks will need far more than the 17.6 points per game they averaged this season.

After Highland opened with a 6-0 spurt, Seabury scored four of the next six buckets — including three straight by freshman Lindsey Ahlen — and trailed 10-8 after eight minutes.

Then came the second quarter.

Seabury Academy's Megynn Blanchard, left, and Highland's Angie Stewart fight for a loose ball in Seabury's 51-24 loss. The Seahawks' season ended in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs Monday at South Junior High.

Highland tallied 13 points in the second quarter, but Seabury didn’t score its second basket until a buzzer-beater by Megynn Blanchard.

Seabury’s slump continued in the third when it matched its dismal second-quarter output with four more points. Highland’s 15 produced a 38-16 lead.

Ashley Stewart and her sister, Angie, stung the Seahawks inside and out — each scored 18 points.

Seabury was led by Ahlen’s six points. Blanchard, Linaya Newstrom, and Laura Hoffman each added four.

Despite their struggles, Kitson said the Seahawks’ season was worthwhile.

“I love these girls and how hard they worked,” Kitson said. “The only thing we can do is come back and keep building.”

Highland 51, Seabury Academy 24

Highland (5-15) 10 13 15 13 — 51

Seabury (4-12) 8 4 4 8 — 24

Highland — Ashley Stewart 18, Angie Stewart 18, Molly Kinkead 9, Kristan Olson 4, Kim McCauley 2.

Seabury — Laura Frizell 2, Linaya Newstrom 4, Megynn Blanchard 4, Laura Hoffman 4, Regan Sisson 4, Lindsey Ahlen 6.