Now that the final buzzer has sounded, and the days of tying her shoes in the locker room are over, it’s the little things that Sara Cain will miss most.

“It’s sad knowing that something that’s been such a big part of my life is now over,” the senior said.

The Bluejay women (21-12) didn’t let go of their season easily, losing 75-69 in overtime at Marquette in the second round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

The Jays had come back from a 16-point deficit to take the lead in the last minutes of regulation before Marquette sent the game to overtime, where the Jays were outscored 12-6.

In the first round, the Bluejays came from behind at halftime to beat South Dakota State 76-69.

Forward Cain counts the game as a high point of the season.

“We finally were putting everything together and playing complete basketball,” she said.

Despite disappointment, the Jays are proud of their success.

“We’re really happy with how it ended up,” sophomore Sam Schuett said.

Next year, the Jays will need to replace the two seniors, Cain and Ally Thrall, who were instrumental in that success.

“We’ve lost two really good leaders,” coach Jim Flanery said. “There’s a real leadership gap we are going to have to fill this offseason.”

Schuett is confident the team has been given what it needs.

“The seniors passed the torch,” she said. “They were great leaders and set a good example.”