Girls Take Ansonia For First Win of Class M Tournament

The Tolland girls took it to Ansonia from the opening tap, coasting to an easy 59-33 victory at home in game one of the CIAC Class M tournament..

All-Conference junior forward Kristen Schatzlein scored nine of her game-high 17 points in the first half to pace the Eagles, who enjoyed a decided height advantage. Center Jenna Lovett had 7 points in the first half, as did guard Sam Olson.

Tolland led 19-6 after the first period of play and 36-16 at the half.

Ansonia’s sophomore point guard Melissa Tirella was determined to penetrate the paint on almost every possession but was consistently rebuffed by the Tolland defense with steals, deflections and blocked shots, many of which led to easy fast break baskets.

Even with the game seemingly in firm control, Tolland Coach Rocco Sansone fretted as the second half began. “We haven’t played well in the third period for some reason,” he said. “I don’t really know why.”

His concern seemed justified when neither team scored in the first two minutes of the period. Yet Schatzlein put his fears to rest with a steal and an end-to-end gallop that ended with an easy lay up.

Sophomore Ashley Clawson stole the ball on the next possession and made a nifty feed to Schatzlein for another lay in. It was 50-24 after three, and Sansone went to his bench as the Eagles coasted to the win.

“I’m happy,” Sansone said, “Except for the foul shooting.”

The Eagles were just 12 of 24 on the night. “If we lose in this tournament, that’ll be the reason . . . poor foul shooting,” he said.

Ashley Clawson chipped in with 8 points and Sam Olson had 7. Tirella and Tierney Lawlor led Ansonia with 7 points apiece.

Tolland now moves on to play Suffield (16-5) on Friday.