WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School girls’ basketball players may have gotten coal in their stockings in the form of losses thus far this season, but first-year coach Meghan Lavner claims there is good reason to be jolly.
“Tonight we put in a good effort,” coach Lavner said, following Westfield’s 60-33 loss to visiting Northampton Monday. “(Our) defense was intense and we gave them a good run.”
Westfield’s Alexa Morin (20) sets up for a shot against visiting Northampton Monday night. (Photo by Marc St. Onge)
Westfield held Northampton to just two points in the first quarter. The Blue Devils led just 18-12 at the half. Their leading scorer, Lauraine Joensen, who on many a night would pump in 20 points, was held scoreless through the first two quarters. She finished with just 10.
Westfield came within eight points of the lead in the third period before Northampton pulled away. Bombers’ guard delivered under pressure, leading her team out on the floor – often beating a full court press – and stayed composed.”
“Defensively, we did a good job,” Lavner said. “They just went on their runs, and we couldn’t keep up.”
Westfield’s Alexa Morin delivered another solid effort in the interior of the Northampton defense, racking up 20 points.
“We’ve really been concentrating on defense the last week and a half,” Lavner said. “I thought we played really hard tonight.”
Westfield will now enjoy an extended holiday break. The Bombers will return to action Thurs., Jan. 7 at West Springfield. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
FREE HOOPS’ CLINIC: The Westfield High School girls’ basketball team (players and coaches) will hold a free clinic for all Westfield girls in grades 3-8. The clinic will be held Wed., Dec. 30 for grades 3-4 from 9-10 a.m., for grades 5-6 from 10-11 a.m., and for grades 7-8 from 11 a.m. to noon at WHS.
Anyone interesting in participating is urged to email head coach Meg Lavner at [email protected].
Rams prevail
Southwick 42, Pioneer Valley Regional 36
Ashley Shea, McKinley White, and Mackenzie Sullivan combined for 31 points in Southwick’s road win.
The Rams’ Junior Varsity unit was also successful, upending Pioneer 42-17.
In that game, Maura Wurster, Emily Giancola, and Aelish Mcgivney combined for 19 Southwick points.
