NTL GIRLS BASKETBALL: BLUE RIDGE TOPS SAYRE, 42-23, IN SEASON-OPENER (8 PHOTOS) (2019-12-06)
Valley Sports ReportTOWANDA "” Blue Ridge jumped out to an 11-point first-quarter lead, and cruised to a 42-23 season-opening win over Sayre here Friday night at the Towanda Tip-Off Tournament.
A young Sayre squad trailed 13-2 after the first eight minutes, and 25-13 at the half, thanks in large part to 18 first-half turnovers.
"I expected we would struggle, but had hoped we would execute better and more consistently," said Sayre coach Eileen Sparduti.
"I am not surprised. We had many 'news' tonight, including veteran players in new roles," she noted. "Blue Ridge forced a few of those turnovers, but the majority were our own doing.
"The night was not without some positives," added Sparduti. "We need to play live games to improve on our mistakes. We can't fix nerves and inexperience in practice."
The Lady Redskins shot just 17 percent from the field, making 8 of 45 shots, including a 0-for-18 performance from behind the 3-point line. They committed 29 turnovers in the game.
Junior Gabbi Randall led Sayre with 13 points, seven rebounds, and seven steals, and senior Emily Sutryk had five points, eight rebounds, seven steals, two blocks shots, and two assists.
Maddie Lamanna had four rebounds and two assists for Sayre, while senior Maddie Wilson added seven rebounds and one blocked shot, and Erika Wells grabbed four rebounds.
Sayre will square off with Western Wayne Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
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IN PHOTO 1: Sayre's Gabbi Randall. ... PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELLE HICKEY.
