Westford Academy Girls’ Basketball started their season out strong on Friday, Dec. 19 with a 57-28 victory against Waltham High School. This game establishes their first Dual County League (DCL) win and brings their season record to 1-0.
Starting off the game, Waltham won the tip off, but that did not stop WA from quickly stealing the ball and handing it off to senior captain Olivia Pillsbury who secured the first two points of the game. Throughout the first quarter, WA continuously made Waltham’s defense fight for the ball as they scored point after point, resulting in WA leading 14-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Heading into the second quarter, Waltham came out strong with a three-pointer and multiple shot attempts. However, the Ghosts’ persistent defense was able to ward off any more Waltham points.
“We played really well, we saw good looks and made good passes,” Pillsbury said. “Our defense was good as we were able to talk a lot and work together.”
Although WA was in the lead, they took a timeout with less than five minutes left in the quarter, giving each team a chance to strategize before continuing the game. A foul on WA allowed Waltham to add more points on the board with two free throws, tightening the score to 16-13 with the Ghosts still in the lead.
A few minutes remained in the quarter as both teams continued to put up points. A fast breakaway from sophomore Grace Trahan earned WA two more points, keeping them in the lead. To end the second quarter, Pillsbury increased WA’s lead with two free throws and Trahan made a buzzer beater basket to ensure WA’s 24-15 lead would carry them into halftime.
Going into the third quarter, both teams came out strong, but Waltham was no match for WA’s persistent and successful offensive efforts. Following multiple baskets made by the Ghosts, Waltham called their first time out of the game. After the timeout, WA maintained their aggressiveness and were able to get more points up on the board with help from a three-pointer scored by sophomore Phoenix Philbrook, which brought the score to 41-23, WA still in the lead.
“Some key strengths tonight would definitely be advancing the ball up the court and our strong defense,” Philbrook said. “With this win I believe that our confidence will be boosted and get us ready for our next game.”
To close out the third quarter, Pillsbury threw the ball down the court which in turn gave senior captain Kaitlyn Pepin the opportunity to take two free throws, leaving the score 43-26 with WA maintaining their lead.
The last quarter of the game was dominated by WA as they smoothly created plays to get the ball into the basket, constantly raising their score while Waltham’s defense unsuccessfully tried to block them. Ending the game with a score of 57-28, WA obtained their first DCL victory of the 2025-2026 season.
“I think [this game] sets a great tone [for the rest of the season and] I think the first game says a lot,” coach Camille Desrochers said. “I think it was really good how the girls started off hot, had a lull in the middle, and then we made adjustments and figured it out. That’s what we’re going to have to do all year, especially against good teams.”
WA Girls’ Basketball will play their next game on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Billerica Memorial High School.
