Second-half Defense Keys Pittsfield's Win

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Pittsfield girls' basketball team, particularly the Generals' defense, passed a big test in Friday night's 54-42 home win over Northampton. After trailing 31-28 at halftime, Pittsfield held the Blue Devils to just one basket and 11 points in the second half. 

"Our second half defense was a learning experience after a few adjustments at halftime," Generals head coach Joe Racicot said. "I was very impressed by the team's defensive effort. Team defense was the key in us beating Northampton tonight." 

Pittsfield didn't give up a single 3-point basket the entire game and didn't allow any of the Blue Devils' players to score more than seven points. Senior captain Courtney McLaughlin, meanwhile, was a force on the offensive end for the Generals. She nailed a trio of 3-pointers on her way to a game-high 22 points. Racicot also credited senior guard Sydney DuLuce with a strong effort on the defensive end, while sophomore post player Lauren Carnevale chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds. 

Pittsfield challenged itself by playing three Division 1 opponents to start the season, and the results were positive with the Generals going 2-1 in their first three games. PHS is now off until Thursday, when it begins league play with a road game against Wahconah at 7:30 p.m.

"Northampton defeated Longmeadow last week, a team that beat us by nine points," Racicot said. "Tonight was a great team effort that proves that the Division 1 Western Mass. field is wide open."