LYNN — While the Lynn Tech girls basketball team’s defense was up to par against the Academy of Notre Dame Tuesday evening, the Tigers simply couldn’t find any offense as they fell to the Lancers, 38-16.
“The defense was there for us, because whenever you let up only 38 points you should get a win,” said Tech coach Kaitlyn Wechsler. “But the offense wasn’t there, and that’s what we’ve been struggling with so far this year.”
The Tigers were led by Arianna Anaya, who finished with 9 points and 8 rebounds. Nayelis Diaz had 2 points and 9 rebounds, while Niyo Mwajuma had 3 points and 3 rebounds.
“I think we’ve just got to keep working on the offensive side of things,” said Wechsler. “It all starts with our defense, but after a stop we’ve got to run out and force the other team to react. We’ve just got to keep working on things like that in practice and then apply them when we’re in a game situation.”
Things got off to a slow start for both teams in the first quarter, with shaky shooting and poor ball management on both sides. Notre Dame eventually got its foothold and started to make some baskets, which in turn fueled its defense. The Lancers started to lock down Tech in a full-court press, making it difficult for the Tigers to advance the ball up the court. Notre Dame was also able to use its size to its advantage, as Meghan Pefine and Emily Aho dominated the paint on both sides of the floor.
“We had opportunities out there, we had good looks and fast breaks, but we just couldn’t capitalize,” said Wechsler. “We just have to continue to work on the offensive part of our game, because that’s the difference. If you play good defense but don’t score, you still lose.”
After a lackluster first quarter, Tech got into a bit of a groove in the second. The Tigers, behind some solid play from Anaya and Mwajuma, started to make some baskets and get back into the game. But Tech had already dug itself into a double-digit deficit, and it was difficult to gain any real ground on the Lancers. At the half, Notre Dame led 24-12.
The third quarter was a struggle for both teams offensively, as only 10 points were scored between the two teams. The fourth quarter saw Notre Dame outscore Tech 8-0 to seal the win for the Lancers.
Next up for the Tigers is a familiar opponent in Commonwealth Athletic Conference foe Northeast Tech.
“This is a team we know very well and a team we always play tough,” Wechsler said of Northeast. “I think they have a lot of returners from last year’s team, and I think they play a similar style to the one we went up against tonight. So I think overall we should be pretty prepared for this one.”
Tech will go up against Northeast Friday (5:15).
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GIRLS BASKETBALL
Bishop Fenwick 46, Arlington Catholic 42 (OT)
The Crusaders opened the new season in style with an overtime victory at home. Sammi Gallant had a huge game with 25 points and 4 assists, including 9 points in the overtime period to help seal the win. Olivia DePietro added 10 points and 8 rebounds.
Fenwick (1-0) hosts Bishop Feehan Saturday (3).
Swampscott 57, Manchester-Essex 44
Grace DiGrande led all scorers with 17 points. Nikki Rosa had 15 points and Katie Watts scored 12 points with 5 assists. Sophie DiGrande grabbed 11 rebounds.
Swampscott (1-0) hosts Marblehead Friday night.
KIPP 64, Nashoba 33
In the first MIAA game in program history, KIPP was led by freshman guard Tatiana Meggie-Maddrey and senior captain Naudia Resnek (18 points each). Maddrey scored 12 of her 18 in the first half. Resnek scored all 18 points in the second half.
KIPP got excellent defensive performances from Resnek and junior Destiny Guzman. Sophomore forward Tope Mafo scored 8 points, while junior guard Nicole Uchendu scored 6.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Arlington Catholic 61, Bishop Fenwick 56
JaySean Stuart was the top scorer for Fenwick in the loss, notching 17 points and 5 rebounds. Nate Andrews added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.
Fenwick (1-1) has a full week off before hosting Cathedral next Tuesday (6:30).
Malden Catholic 78, Winthrop 41
The Vikings dropped their season opener and take on Beverly Friday.
SWIMMING
Marblehead 99, Lynn English 77
Top performers for English were the first place 200 free relay team of Giulana Gasca, Mary Lawlor, Hannah Trahant and Caroline Zuffante (157.10), Hannah Trahant (qualified for sectionals in diving, 192.55), Caroline Zuffante (second place in 200 free, 214.69, second place in 500 free, 600.35), Peter Phelan (third place in 200 IM, 231.47, third place in 100 breaststroke, 117.84), Cory Story (third place in 50 free, 27.79), Mary Lawlor (third place in the butterfly, 107.57, third place in 100 backstroke, 108.57, Giulana Gasca (third place in 100 free, 107.66), Amanda Fabrizio (third place in 500 free, 614.09), the third place 200 medley relay team of Mary Lawlor, Peter Phelan, Amanda Fabrizio and Hannah Trahant, and the third place 400 free relay team of
Amanda Fabrizio, Caroline Zuffante, Cole Story and Peter Phelan. English hosts Danvers Thursday (6:30).