Lady Cs Fall Short; Offense and Rebounding Sputters

Despite a game high 25 points from senior Rachel McCarron, host G-D (5-8) fell to Nashoba Regional, 49-42 in Midland B action.

Hoping to avenge a 71-57 loss earlier in the season, Crusaders came out playing aggressive, scrappy defense, disrupting Chieftains' (6-0, 11-2) offensive flow. "We certainly didn't play well in the first half," said Nashoba assistant coach Barry Call. "Give them credit for that."

GD took a 12-10 lead after one quarter on senior Leanne Mueller's driving lay-up. It was team's terrific defense, spearheaded by senior Cate Cullen's gritty play and McCarron's 15 first half points that had Crusaders ahead 25-22 at the half.

Buckets from Erin Cressman (11 pts., 21 rebs.) and Kelly Poole (10 pts.) opening third quarter pushed visitors ahead, 29-25. Crusaders did not have an answer, managing only 17 points in second half.

"We struggled offensively and their rebounding was so deflating," grimaced Hennelly. Nashoba outrebounded GD 56-26 and, in this case, the numbers certainly tell the story.

Cate Cullen and Leanne Mueller finished with six and four points respectively while Emmalie Keenan led Chieftains with 14 points.

Crusaders must put wins together soon if they hope to qualify for districts.  Two of next four on the schedule include Quabbin and Hudson who GD defeated earlier in the season. Westborough and Marlborough follow. Both losses earlier but with a determined defensive effort, a rebounding commitment and the same offensive result they got against Fitchburg and Hudson, Lady Cs could have a nice four game winning streak!