The Bromfield girls varsity basketball team was narrowly defeated by the West Boylston Lions Friday, Jan. 7, at the Bromfield court. The Trojans held back their opponents for the majority of the game, but fell to West Boylston’s skilled team by a score of 38-34. The Bromfield girls now hold a 1-7 record.
Team captain Jackie McHugh said, “West Boylston is a really good team. They had a lot of height on their side. They are a very fast and physical team. They have an 8 and 0 record, which is really impressive. The fact that we had a close game with such a good team shows the talent and determination that we have.”
Katja Lierhaus drives to the hoop in a previous game against Ayer. (Photo by Vishwa Rasania)
The game began with a strong start from the Trojans as they pressed against West Boylston with a 4-0 lead by junior Katja Lierhaus. The Bromfield team got into foul trouble, which allowed the Lions to gain two points. The Lions took charge after the foul shots and brought their score to 6-4. The Trojans refused to be left behind, and scored with several seconds on the clock, ending the first quarter with a 6-6 tie.
In the second quarter, Bromfield started strong, with a three-minute scoring streak by senior Meaghan Bradshaw—a two-pointer, a layup, and a free throw. Sophomore Montana Burke also contributed to the lead with a three-pointer, which brought Bromfield to 14-6.
The Lions returned with a scoring streak of their own, pulling ahead 16-14. The Trojans lost their lead, but still managed to catch up with four seconds on the clock, with two foul shots by Bradshaw, bringing the score to 16-16.
The intensity was palpable as both teams stepped onto the court to resume the game after the short half-time break. The third quarter was rife with Bromfield fouls, allowing West Boylston to make a total of four points from six free-throw opportunities. These free throws, along with four well-placed shots, allowed West Boylston to gain a substantial lead on Bromfield. The Trojans attempted to catch up with shots made by Bradshaw and senior Ali Waterhouse, but the score stood at 28-20 in favor of West Boylston.
With just one minute left in the third quarter, Bromfield suddenly stepped up its game. Burke scored from behind the three-point line with a strong pass from freshman Sue Ross, bringing Bromfield up to 23 points. Both Trojans came back for a second opportunity as Ross scored with a drive to the hoop, from an assist by Burke. The quarter ended at 28-26, West Boylston.
Even after three quarters of high-intensity playing, neither team showed any signs of weakening. Burke attempted another shot from behind the three-point line, but missed, allowing Ross to finish the rebound. Bromfield, only two points away from surpassing West Boylston, was brought down by four layups made by West Boylston. The score stood at 27-32.
A two-pointer by Lierhaus and a single free throw by Burke were not enough to bring Bromfield back, as West Boylston players raced down court twice, bringing the score to 36-30.
With just two minutes remaining in the game, Bromfield pushed its limits. Two free throws were made by Bradshaw and a two-pointer was made by Lierhaus. Lierhaus attempted a shot behind the three-point line, but missed, ending the game 38-34, West Boylston.
Team captain Bradshaw said after the game, “This was probably the best game I’ve seen our girls play. Every person’s head was in the game, and we gave an undefeated team a run for their money but let it all slip through out fingers. We need to improve on strengthening our passing and trying not to make our passes so readable. The other team gets many steals because it’s obvious where our passes are going.”
Coach Mike Dube said, “The girls have definitely improved, and this is the best they ever played. There was a lot of effort, and we had a chance at the end of the game, but we made some mistakes.”
