WOODSTOCK, Ill. – A high school girls basketball team caused outrage last week after the team posed with a Barbie doll – the team’s symbol of “girl power” – held up over a crucifix at a catholic high school, then posted the image online.

The girls, seen smiling and laughing while pointing to the doll on the crucifix, were celebrating Woodstock High School’s win over Woodstock North High School in the Class 3A regionals hosted by Marian Central Catholic High School, the Daily Herald reports.

The picture was taken while the girls were still in uniform and coach Jen Nichols-Hogle was distracted with post-game activities, according to NBC 5.

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The picture was posted to Facebook and Twitter, where it quickly sparked outrage. Marian officials received emails of the image the next day. News eventually got back to Woodstock officials, who spoke with the team and issued an apology to Marian Central over the weekend, according to the news site.

Woodstock athletic director Glen Wilson sent an email about the incident to the Northwest Herald Saturday.

“On behalf of Woodstock H.S. and the WHS girls basketball program, we would like to apologize for our actions after the regional final girls basketball game Marian Central hosted on Thursday …” the email read.

“Our intent was certainly not to insult, or denigrate, Marian Central and its family. We apologize that the act could solicit a perception of disrespect to faith, one’s school or the community they represent. The team’s symbol of ‘girl power’ was used in an inappropriate manner. We are sincerely regretful for our actions and will use this as a learning experience for our program.”

The Daily Herald reports Woodstock defeated Woodstock North 57-48, and had beat Marian Central 55-41 earlier in the tournament.

“Both administrations are trying to work through this incident,” Marian Central athletic director Drew Potthoff told the news site before declining further comment.

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Wilson said Woodstock officials “talked to the team about perception and decision-making and how to represent yourselves in school,” the Northwest Herald reports.

“We let Marian know it was not meant to be malicious. They have a doll that represents ‘girl power.’ It was misused and we understand why people would perceive it in a manner not representing ‘girl power,” Wilson told the news site.

“We ae immensely regretful for that,” he said.

Some who commented about the picture online believe the students involved should face a more serious punishment for their actions.

“As a parent, I’d be pulling my child from the team,” Deb Kelly posted to the Northwest Herald site. “As a school, I’d be pulling the girls from the rest of the season. Their actions represent not only the girls and the school, but also their parents!”

“It has everything to do with professionalism and respect for the school you represent – in this case Woodstock High School,” jmho posted. “It would be interesting to see how many pictures the team ‘Barbie’ has appeared in prior to this unfortunate situation. …”

“Sorry WHS, while you may have won the game … you lost in class act points.”