RUMFORD — When Mountain Valley decided to play its game, things turned out positive in a Class C girls’ preliminary playoff game Tuesday night.
Sydney Petrie recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds as the fifth-ranked Falcons ultimately responded to the challenge and turned up the heat in the second half en route to a convincing 42-30 win over No.12 Sacopee Valley at Puiia Gymnasium.
Mountain Valley (16-3) advances to play in a quarterfinal playoff game against Old Orchard Beach next week at the Augusta Civic Center. Sacopee Valley concludes its season at 9-10.
The teams play in difference conferences so players found themselves getting caught up in a feeling-out process. The pace was slow, which resulted in several unforced errors, but the Falcons still led 24-13 lead at halftime.
“We picked up our intensity level in the second quarter,” said Mountain Valley coach Ryan Casey, who had seen the Hawks play and knew they played deliberate on offense. “We got a couple baskets (Liza White and Emily Billings) and then Karen (Flaherty) scored on a jumper.”
Petrie had passed out to Flaherty (four steals), who buried a 3-pointer from the top-of-the-key. The Falcons scored seven unanswered points to lead by double-digits before Nette Humphrey scored at the buzzer.
”They had done a good job with 2-3 (zone),” Petrie said. ”We just decided to start playing ball and everybody stepped it up. We found seams to get to the basket.”
Mountain Valley opened the second half, with baskets by White (eight points, eight rebounds) and by Ashley Russell (nine points), each following offensive rebounds. The Falcons went on a dry spell until Petrie scored on a quick in-bounds pass and Ryerson and Russell each added baskets. Sacopee Valley only scored on a Helen Ruhlin (nine points three pointer in third quarter.
“On offense, we wanted to attack from base line in second half,” Sacopee Valley coach Chris Hughes said. “We had expected Mountain Valley to press more, with a tap. But, they are well coached. Still, I am proud of my girls.”
Mountain Valley led 37-20 and showed complete patience by passing the ball around the perimeter. The Falcons took four shots and committed nine turnovers in the fourth quarter.
The Hawks tried pressing but gave the Falcon passes to much space. Ruhlin and Abby Hughes (11 points, eight rebounds) made seven of 10 free throws, but they didn’t make a field, until the final minute.
Mountain Valley had taken a 14-6 lead in first quarter. Emily Laubauskas made a basket and a high-arching trey, while Petrie scored twice off the low post.
”They had pretty good size, inside,” Casey said. ”But, when we controlled the basketball, we did a good job scoring.”
The Falcons shot a cool 25 percent, made 11 of 21 free throws and committed 25 turnovers.
“We’ve been preparing all season long to get back to the Augusta Civic Center,” Mountain Valley senior Adelle Oswald said.
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