St. Mary’s Tessa Kielbasa (32) puts up a shot against Franklin Tech. Saints’ Karissa Foley (4) looks on. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – It may seem like the St. Mary High School girls’ basketball team is doing a form of penance, taking its lumps and bruises in the win-loss column on a nightly basis. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, according to the Saints first-year head coach.
“I’m very proud of the girls,” St. Mary coach Rodney Rodriguez said. “They’re working hard right now. They never stop – that’s what I love.”
St. Mary fought valiantly in the first half, employing a solid man-to-man defense and holding within two points of a tie for much of the two quarters. In the end, Franklin Tech proved too much, winning 33-10.
Brook Mevs (12 points) and Brittany Andrews (9) led the Franklin attack.
“Our girls are really playing solid man-to-man ‘D,’” coach Rodriguez said. “We started off the first half great. The end was terrible.”
Franklin Tech outscored St. Mary 21-4 in the second half.
“Every other game we start slow … and finish strong,” he said.
Karissa Foley scored a game-high four points to lead St. Mary. Lauren Chapdelaine (2 points), Francesca Depergola (2), and Elisa Kosinski (2) also netted points for the Saints.
“We’re really young,” said Rodriguez, whose team is comprised primarily of first-year players. “I’m trying to teach them to become more aggressive with more confidence. They really haven’t played at that level.”
God willing, the Saints will reach those heavenly heights.
BOYS’ HOOPS
Renaissance 65, Southwick-Tolland 31
Carlos Gonzales (17 points) and Kendall Baldwin (12) led Renaissance on the road. Matt Olson scored a team-high 13 points for Southwick-Tolland Regional.
