Rosse Helps Hurricanes Clinch Postseason Spot
ADAMS, Mass — The Hoosac Valley girls' basketball team had plenty to celebrate on Thursday night.Not only did the Hurricanes break a three-game losing streak, but they also clinched a berth in the Division 2 Western Mass. tournament with a 61-39 home win over Monument Mountain. No player on the Hoosac roster had as much to celebrate as Emily Rosse, however, as the freshman forward set career highs in both points and rebounds with 24 in each category.
It was Rosse's best performance of the season by far and one her team desperately needed coming off of three straight losses to North Division powers Drury, Lee and Pittsfield.
"It was a good turnaround game for us," Hurricanes head coach Ron Wojcik said. "It was a good game and a solid win for the girls to qualify for the Western Mass. tourney. After falling down 21-11 in the second quarter, we turned up the defensive pressure and outscored Monument 15-2 to finish the quarter."
Hoosac (10-5) kept its momentum going in the third quarter, scoring 16 of the first 18 points in the second half to open up a sizeable 42-25 lead heading into the final quarter. Rosse was the only player in the game to finish in double digits, but the 'Canes also received solid contributions from sophomores Megan Rodowicz and Jenn Gale. Rodowicz finished with eight points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Gale chipped in with nine points and eight boards.
"Rodowicz did a great job at the point, filling in for the injured McKenzie Robinson," Wojcik said. "Emily had a career night, and it was just a great effort by everyone on both ends of the floor."
Meghan Nejaime led the Spartans with eight points. Hoosac next plays at Mount Everett at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.