Pressure and tenacious defense were two of the main tactics for the Lady Wreckers, and they certainly helped to propel them to a 43-38 win in their season opener against the Norwalk Bears.
The Wreckers, who lost 53-45 to Norwalk last year in a game that would decipher who would make it to the state playoffs, felt that redemption was imperative to help kick start the season.
In the first quarter, neither team was able to pull away in order to gain an early lead.
With a 15-12 lead going into the second quarter, the Wreckers felt that it was time to really hit the hammer on the nail and take control of the game.
Incorporating a full court press right off the back to start the second quarter, the Wreckers proved that they meant all business. Through their persistent efforts, Staples was able to force a lot of turnovers which lead to many fast break points.
Rachel Seideman ’17, who lead the ferocious attack on defense believes that this team is ready to prove that they are better than last year.
“I think we played very well and were able to really take control of the game with our aggressive defense” Seideman said.
“Our goal is to prove we are better than last year and make states.”
The up tempo style of defense proved to be a successful call by new head coach Paco Fabian, and resulted in the Wreckers increasing their lead to 28-17 at the end of the first half of play.
Abby Lustig ’15, who left the game midway through the second quarter with an apparent eye injury, lead the team with nine points in the first half. Lustig however, would soon return in the third quarter and take back her role as a dominant force.
“I just knew I had to make sure I was really ready to play when I went in. My eye stung for a while so it was hard to see, and I wanted to be really cautious before I jumped back in,” Lustig said.
“When I did go back in, though, I was completely ready to play, and knew that I had to start playing again, I just tried to play with my intensity up as if I’d been playing the whole time.”
Lustig quickly regained her composure and was able to sink two free throws midway through the third quarter which helped spark the Wreckers’ offense.
In the second half, it was all Olivia Troy ’17 for the Wreckers who contributed six of her 10 points in the fourth quarter alone.
In the fourth quarter the Wreckers seemed to be out matched by the Bears who in the pursuits to mount a comeback fell just short.
With a final score of 43-38, the Wreckers were able to start their season off on a high note and win their home opener.
Alyssa Perry ’16 was very impressed with the team’s victory.
“Since it was the first game of the new season, we wanted to prove that we are going to be the team to beat,” Perry said.
The Lady Wreckers next game is away as they will be facing off against Westhill on December 12th at 7:00 p.m.
