Sure, losing hurts.

But that wasn’t the worst part for Forest Park girls basketball coach Jackie Giuliani after Tuesday’s Class D regional semifinal setback to Bark River-Harris.

She didn’t want to say good-bye to the five seniors that have meant so much to the program.

“This is a group that has been so committed to our program,” Giuliani said. “They are at everything and they’re trying to get everybody else to come to everything.

“They lead by example and in this day and age you don’t get those girls that much anymore. People don’t want to commit to things and dive into it like this group of five seniors.”

She was referring to Megan Aberly, Emme Emmers, Maddie Scarlassara, Taylor Honkala and Hannah Cross.

“They were the epitome of what a team is,” Giuliani said.

Aberly had the fewest minutes of any of the seniors in the regional semi. That was by design. The former starter took one for the team when the Lady Trojans elevated sophomore Mercedes Simmons to the varsity earlier this season.

With Simmons starting and dominating inside, Aberly saw reduced playing. Didn’t matter. She was one of those seniors that wanted the team to succeed regardless of who was on the floor.

“Megan told me, ‘Coach, I know that Mercedes needs to be in there,” Giuliani said. “She was willing to step back and give Mercedes that spot and win some games.”

Forest Park was playing in an eighth straight regional tournament. That wasn’t a given when the season began. But those five unselfish seniors and a solid supporting cast made it happen.

“As a group they were so committed to the program and they would have done anything for the team,” Giuliani said. “That’s the part I’m going to miss.” ..

Norway will host MHSAA Division 4 softball district and regional tournaments this spring. Understand Marion Park may have an all-dirt infield by then.

I’ve had softball and baseball coaches tell me this is a good time to start loosening up the ol’ throwing arm. Nothing full speed, however …

Green Bay Packers have announced plans for a price increase on stadium bowl tickets for the 2018 season, with the price of each preseason ticket increasing by $2 and each regular season ticket increasing by $7.

Noted UP Hall of Famer Bob McGinn, writing on his superb BobMcGinnFootball.com site: “Not even a losing season stemming from their inferior product prevented the Green Bay Packers from imposing another price increase on season ticketholders.”

McGinn also points out that an end-zone seat at Lambeau Field that cost $24 in 1995 and $50 in 2004 will cost $109 in 2018. …