Sophie Carrigill proud despite quarter-final defeat in Paris

GB stayed within touching distance for much of the game, but saw the USA build a significant lead at the end of the second and third quarters, making their task more difficult.

However, GB took the lead with nine minutes to go, but lost control of the game in the final seconds.

“My overriding feeling right now is that I'm just really proud of the girls. They work so hard for these moments,” said the Wakefield native.

And we played an absolutely fantastic game. It's going to hurt for a long time, but you have to accept that it hurts because that's why we play.

“My overriding feeling was that I was just really proud of our fight. We made a massive comeback, were 10 points down and then took the lead.

“This is just incredible, the USA is a great team and regularly wins medals at World Championships and Paralympics.

“A strong team and I'm really proud that we delivered this performance. But it's going to hurt for a while.”

Jade Atkin made an impression from the start, scoring the first points of the game, but rebounding from Becca Murray and Ixhelt Gonzalez was a constant threat on both ends of the court.

Shortly before halftime, the USA scored six points in a row and had a seven-point lead after the second quarter.

In the third quarter, GB managed to get back into the game, but captain Murray helped the USA regain the lead with two crucial rebounds.

It was not over yet for ParalympicsGB, as Jade Atkin's return to the field signalled the start of a comeback that reduced the deficit to just three points with 10 minutes to go.

Great Britain then took the lead for the first time since the start of the game and held on to a one-point advantage when it forced the USA into a shot clock violation.

As the clock ran out, the two sides traded points and the lead before the USA showed their wits and took the narrow victory.

Carrigill added: “They are used to these important games, but so are we, so that is no excuse.”

“In these moments you have to perform. And without seeing it again, we may not have managed that. We probably could have done better and possibly scored a goal.

“But I couldn't have asked for anything better. I'm just proud of the girls and the effort and fight we put in until the end. We never gave up.”

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes, including vital funds for sport from grassroots to elite. For more information visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk