Blue Devils' Bench Key in Win over Warriors
DALTON, Mass. -- The defense of the Drury girls' basketball team was at it again on Friday, while a balanced offensive attack and good production off of the bench were also key in the Blue Devils' 46-36 victory at Wahconah.John Franzoni's squad won its fifth straight game by holding the Warriors to just 21 points through the first three quarters of play. The Drury offense, meanwhile, had seven different players score at least four points on the night, helping the visitors to a 24-13 lead at the half.
"Our defense was the key to the win again tonight," Franzoni said. "Wahconah had been averaging 46 points per game, and we held them to half that total with a few minutes left in the contest. Wahconah played hard to the end and made a run late in the game, but we received solid production from our bench and that was another key to the win. Megan Benoit, Mackenzie Bona, Lyndsey DeGrenier, Emily Moulton, and Tiana Sims all played productive minutes and gave us a lift when they entered the game. Bench production is a key factor in winning tough road games."
Junior point guard Danielle Racette was the Devils' leader on both ends of the floor, scoring a team-high 11 points while holding the Warriors' leading scorer, Gabby Lavinio, to just 10 points on the night. Racette added eight rebounds, six steals and four assists on the night, while classmates Shannon Garvey (eight points, six rebounds) and Ali Tatro (four points, nine boards) also had productive games. Sophomore Megan Benoit scored six points off of the bench for Drury, which also received six points combined from reserves Emily Moulton and Tiana Sims in a first quarter that saw the Blue Devils open a 12-5 lead out of the gate.
"Improving to 5-0 to start the New Year does feel good, and the team is working hard and improving every day," Franzoni said. "Now we have to get ready to face a big challenge at home on Tuesday."
Drury will face its toughest challenge to date then, when an undefeated Lee team comes to Bucky Bullett Gymnasium for a game tipping off at 7:30 p.m.