The sophomore colors of blue and gold mingled with the red and white of the freshmen colors in the decorations that were displayed lavishly about the gymnasium.  The faculty, too, wore the colors of their respective favorites, while the president of the college held two immense bouquets, one of red, the other of yellow roses, showing that he at least was impartial.  On each side of the gallery a group of girls stood ready to lead their respective classes in the basketball choruses that are sung solely With the object of urging the teams on to deeds of glory.  These choruses had been written hurriedly by loyal fans who had more enthusiasm than ability as verse writers, and fitted to popular airs.  The fact that they possessed neither rhythm nor style troubled no one.  The main idea was to make a great deal of noise in singing them, and nothing else counted.

The freshmen and sophomore substitutes were the first to emerge from their dressing rooms on either side of the gymnasium, dressed in their respective gymnasium suits of black and blue, the sleeves and sailor collars of which were ornamented with their colors.  They were greeted with a gratifying burst of song from both sides which lasted until they took their places, eager and alert, ready to make good if the opportunity presented itself.  After a brief interval the dressing room doors opened again and the real teams appeared.  This time the burst of song became so jubilantly noisy that the president of the college half rose in his seat as though to signal for order, then, apparently changing his mind, settled himself in his chair, smiling broadly.  Immediately the song ended the referee’s whistle blew and the great game began.

From the moment the ball was put in play it was plain to the spectators that this was to be a game worth seeing.  The sophomores, with Virginia Gaines as center, adopted whirlwind tactics from the start and the freshmen did little more than defend themselves during the first half, which came to an end without either side scoring.  That the freshmen could hold their own was evident, and when the whistle blew for the second half the freshmen in the gallery applauded their team with renewed vigor.

During the brief intermission Grace and Miriam had clasped hands and vowed to outplay the sophomores in the second half or perish in the attempt.  The three other members had thereupon insisted on being included in the vow, and when the five girls trotted to their respective positions at the sound of the referee’s whistle, it was with a determination to stoutly contest every inch of the ground.  Luck seemed against them, however, for the sophomores scored through the clever playing of Virginia Gaines.  The freshmen then set their teeth and resolved to die rather than allow the enemy to score again.  Then Miriam secured the ball and dodging and ducking this way and that she passed the ball to another player who made the basket and the score was tied.  This put the sophomores not only on the anxious seat, but also on their mettle, and try as they might the freshmen found themselves unable to pile up their score.