Westford Academy Girls’ Basketball defeated Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School 47-45 on Friday, Feb. 7, improving their season record to 13-3.
Throughout the entire game it was clear that defense was a high priority for the Ghosts. Between their passing and strong defense, WA was able to out-maneuver LS even with the frequent difficulties that LS had put forth during the game.
Starting off in the first quarter, it was clear that it was going to be a challenging game. Both teams were consistent with their ability to steal the ball and make shots. At the end of the quarter, the teams were tied 11-11.
In the second quarter, the teams were neck and neck with only a couple of points separating the scores. During the period, junior Kaitlyn Pepin made two separate free throws that secured WA the points they needed to take the lead on LS. By the end of the second quarter, WA was leading 25-22.
Going into the third quarter, WA made another foul, allowing LS to take a lead of 34-31. The gameplay in the second half was intense, and everyone in the stands could see that both teams were completely motivated to come out on top. Sophomore Alexa Coward hit a ball out of a player’s reach and ran across the court, securing another point for WA.
Just before the third quarter ended, senior captain Erin Keefe had made a last shot as the clock hit zero, finishing the third quarter 36-34 with WA in the lead.
Entering the fourth quarter, the game only got more intense as the two teams continued to be neck-and-neck. LS started taking the lead with a score of 42-38 as the quarter began.
WA took two time-outs in the fourth quarter, seemingly preparing themselves for the last minutes of the game. As the clock reached the last twenty seconds, the gym was waiting in an intense anticipation with WA barely in the lead with 46-44.
In the end, thanks to the team’s great defense and teamwork, WA took home a win against LS 47-45. According to head coach Russell Coward, he was happy with the results.
“[The game] went how we hoped. We tried to tire them out. We were very good and very big, and we were able to pull out in the end. We’ve had some close games this year with teams coming down. We’ve had some good plays and we made some great plays to win. I’m very excited [for the rest of the season],” Coward said.
The team’s next game is going to be Thursday, Feb. 13 at WA against Waltham High School.
