Once the playoffs roll around, it’s time for the Portage girls basketball team to shift into another gear.

The Mustangs made it all the way to PIAA final four a year ago, and started the District 6 playoffs with 66-36 win over West Branch.

The ‘green machine’ has four starters from last season’s team, lacing up the high tops on this year’s trip, but it’s their growing pains during the regular season that’s made them a stronger squad.

“We had a tough stretch by the end of January where we lost 3 out of four games and I think the girls realized at that time that we’re not good enough to just step on the court and expect to win.  There’s a target on our backs now.  You know, people want to beat Portage and we’re going to get their best effort.  We have a lot of veteran leadership that have been in these big games before and I expect them to rise to the challenge,” said Head Coach Lance Hudak.

With the adjusted schedule, the Mustangs will meet Blairsville at Hollidaysburg High School on Thursday for an 8 p.m. tip-off.