Attleboro Lady Bombardiers' hoops fall to Stoughton

A tough offensive third quarter was the difference as the Attleboro High Lady Bombardiers battled throughout against the Stoughton Black Knights but could not present a victory to head coach Missy Traversi on her birthday, falling 54-42, Friday at home.

Attleboro played very well through the first half and Kirsten Terrien's jumper just before halftime gave the Lady Bombardiers a 23-22 lead. Terrien added another jumper just after the break to give Attleboro its largest lead at 25-22, but following a time-out, Stoughton closed the quarter on a 17-4 run and took control of the game.

"I really think the problem was that we couldn't put the ball in the basket in the third quarter," said Traversi. "When our shooters aren't shooting from the outside well then we're in big trouble."

Stoughton coach Janet Sullivan credited a switch in defensive strategy for turning the tide in the third. "We were playing a 3-2 zone in the first half and they showed they can knock down the outside shot so we switched to man-to-man," she said. "I think the man-to-man defense was tremendous tonight and that's what got us the win."

Attleboro made a charge in the fourth quarter behind leading scorer Savannah Boyle who scored five straight points to bring them back within five at 39-34. Stoughton promptly went on a 9-0 run to put the game away including a dagger three-pointer from point guard Emma Zuk.

Zuk was the star for the Black Knights finishing with 19 points and several steals, each of which turned into easy layups at the other end. Zuk got plenty of help from forward Chrystal Holland who had 14 points of her own (eight in the first quarter).

"When you're hitting from the inside and the outside it's tough for a team to stop us," said Sullivan. "Some nice play from Katherine Chlus tonight as well. She did a terrific job on the boards and her defense was outstanding."

Boyle finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Lady Bombardiers had a balanced attack offensively. Brianna LaPlume and freshman point guard Kerri Beland each had eight points. Attleboro struggled from the line shooting only 9-18 on free throws, which was critical in a close game.

Every coach that has gone against Attleboro (3-12) this season has praised the team's effort and the tenacity that they show on the defensive end.

Sullivan was no different, singling out Emily Mayer for battling Stoughton's center Nicole Daniels despite giving up at least six inches in height. Daniels finished with only five points.

Traversi is proud of the praise that her team is receiving from opponents and told the girls that they should be too.

"That's the nicest compliment coming from another coach and I told the girls your hard work is paying off people are noticing," she said.

Attleboro's next game is a tough one against the once-beaten Oliver Ames Tigers on Wednesday night. Stoughton (8-4) will put their five-game win streak on the line Tuesday night against the Foxboro Lady Warriors.