The Maine Maniacs 13-U girls AAU team struggled for more than three quarters against the Mid-Atlantic Comets in the second round of medal play at the national tournament in Orlando, Fla., before storming back in the fourth quarter but losing 47-44 in overtime.

A win would have put the Maniacs in the Elite 8. Now the team will battle for final positioning and to get a Top 10 finish.

Maine trailed 35-24 entering the final frame before Dominique Lewis of Lawrence drained two 3-pointers. Ashley Howe also hit a trey, while CeCe Hancock knocked down six fourth-quarter free throws.

The Maniacs had a couple of opportunities to increase their small 2-point lead late in regulation but were not able to do so and the Comets scored late to send the game to overtime.

In OT, there were chances for both teams but a driving layup with 55 seconds remaining by the Comets’ Karalee Smith, and 1 of 2 free throws by Smith with eight seconds to go proved to be the only points scored in the extra session.

CeCe Hancock of Lake Region led the Maine squad with 11 points and 3 steals. Emily Jacques of Edward Little had 9 points and 7 rebounds while Nia Irving recorded a game high 13 rebounds.

In other action, the Maniacs stayed alive in their attempt to gain a Top 10 finish out of 76 teams with a 55-34 win over the Louisiana Blue Chips.

Thornton Academy’s Howe led the Maniacs with an excellent all-around game with 12 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds. Caitlin Kane of Mt. Blue added 9 pts, and 6 rebounds while shutting down the Blue Chips’ outstanding point guard, Carrie Rayson.

Rayson scored 16 first quarter points before Kane was assigned to defend her and held her scoreless until the final minute of the game. Nia Irving and Lewis, both of Lawrence, added 9 points each with Irving grabbing 8 boards and Lewis handing out 5 assists. Emily Jacques of Edward Little scored 8 points for the Maniacs and had a game high 12 rebounds.

Rayson led Louisiana with 17 points.