By Ethan Walshe
Editor-in-Chief

With a decisive victory over Springfield Central High School, the Westford Academy Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team has advanced to the Division I state finals. The final score was 63-51.

The team was excited heading into this match up, as emotions ran high on the bus to the game. This was the team’s first game at the Mass Mutual Center, so they were entering unfamiliar territory.

It didn’t matter though. WA jumped out to a quick lead in the first half, scoring six points in the first minute and a half of the game. Strong three point shooting from both seniors Hannah Hackley and Cathryn Sennott helped WA to extend their lead to ten points after the first quarter, 23-13.

Sam Hyslip, who has been stellar all season, had nine points in the first quarter. She was matched up against Springfield Central’s 6’3″ center Janea Bunn, who fought hard for rebounds all game. Offensive boards were a problem for WA thoughout the game.

Senior Rebecca Sennott came out shooting in the second quarter, burying a three-pointer early. Her work outside the arc added to Westford’s strong offense throughout the first half. Free throw shooting was also key, as it helped WA further extend their lead.

Heading into the locker room, WA led by 17 points, 40-23.

“When we get aggressive, you can see what happens,” said Head Coach Russ Coward, commenting on his team’s fast paced, quick-shooting offense.

It was all over from there. Springfield Central never recovered from the first half. Though offensive production slowed in the third, WA’s defensive presence held Springfield to only 11 in the quarter.

“Like our Algonquin game we had a little bit of a quiet period in the third. I think that we really need to come together as a team and get our goals straight,” said Hackley.

Westford had a 20 point lead heading into the fourth quarter of play. Springfield was unable to compete with WA’s shut down defense, which forced several turnovers in the third quarter.

Though Springfield Central began to mount a comeback in the fourth, even getting within 11 points, it was to no avail. Hackley sunk her third three of the night with less than a minute to play to put the final nail in the coffin. WA finished with 63 points to Springfield Central’s 51.

Hyslip finished the game with 17 points. She led all scorers. Hackley also had 15.

With this win, the girls advance to their first Division I state championship.

“I’m thrilled. I couldn’t be happier. I’m going to try not to cry when we play on Saturday. It’s just awesome. I can’t even talk about it right now I’m so excited,” said Coward.

WA will face off against Braintree this Saturday at 5:45 at the DCU Center in Worcester.