Big Second Quarter Lifts 'Canes Over St. Joe's
ADAMS, Mass — Even when freshman Emily Rosse isn't on top of her game, the Hoosac Valley girls' basketball team still has enough weapons to be a very dangerous team.The Hurricanes proved that on Friday night, dispatching Saint Joseph's 55-25 at home despite having to play major minutes without Rosse, who dealt with foul trouble most of the night. Hoosac (12-5) led 17-9 after the first quarter but did most of its damage in the second frame with Rosse on the bench with two fouls. A swarming full-court press gave the Crusaders (8-7) trouble, and the hosts took advantage by outscoring St. Joe's 13-2, giving the 'Canes a 30-11 lead at halftime. Megan Rodowicz and Jenn Gale each had six steals in the game, and the Hoosac defense stayed strong in the second half by surrendering just 14 points over the final 16 minutes of play.
"It was a good, solid game for us," Hurricanes head coach Ron Wojcik said. "We turned up the pressure in the second quarter after Emily went out with two fouls. Even in limited time, she still led us with a double-double, though."
Rosse made the most of her reduced playing time, scoring a game-high 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Junior guard Tori Rumbolt added nine points for Hoosac, which also received eight points each from junior Erika Lucia and freshman Amber Lesure. Classmate McKenzie Robinson also posted a good game for the 'Canes with four rebounds, five steals and a team-high five assists.
Reagan Smith netted eight points to lead the Crusaders. Next up for the Hoosac is a game against South Division rival Mount Greylock at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.