McLaughlin, Generals Jump on Spartans Early

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Talk about a statement game. 

The last time the Pittsfield girls' basketball team played Monument Mountain, the Spartans held the Generals to a season-low 29 points and handed Pittsfield just its third loss of the year. The Generals looked much better in the rematch, however, putting the game away early with a 26-8 clip in the first quarter on their way to a 63-39 win at home. 

Joe Racicot's squad eclipsed the point total it scored in the first game sometime early in the second quarter on Thursday. Pittsfield (12-4) kept rolling all the way until halftime, earning a 45-16 lead at the break. Senior captain Courtney McLaughlin led the way for the Generals, scoring 22 of her season-high 26 points in the first half. McLaughlin also nailed a pair of 3-pointers while making four steals and dishing out three assists. 

"Strong defensive pressure set the pace for us early on," Racicot said. "Our defense in the first half accounted for 11 steals, while the girls had their minds set on getting up the court in transition." 

Sisters Rachael and Allie Hunt controlled the paint for Pittsfield, combining for 10 points and 18 rebounds. The hosts led by 38 points heading into the fourth quarter, but Monument (7-8) made the final score more respectable by going on an 18-4 run in the final frame. Sam White did most of the damage in the fourth for the Spartans, scoring 13 of her team-high 15 points in the period. 

Pittsfield will put its five-game winning streak on the line against Wahconah on Monday. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.