Mustang Girls Exit Tournament Early

A division winning season and a postseason birth ended with a tough opening loss for the Medford girls basketball team on Tuesday.

Despite a pair of late quarter runs, the No. 9 Mustangs never gained enough momentum and fell 74-44 to host No. 8 Lincoln-Sudbury in their first game of the MIAA Div. 1 North sectional.

“We were a little nervous to start the game, but once we settled in I thought we were alright,” said Medford coach Leo Burke. “It was learning experience. We had a great season overall.”

The Warriors (15-6) opened the game in dominant fashion with an 18-2 run in the first five minutes and never squandered their double digit lead. 

A seven point scoring run by junior Tania Holmes brought the Mustangs (14-6) within 13 points at 3:30 in the second quarter. A three pointer by Medford senior Kasey Moran helped maintain the margin for another minute, but six points in free throws pulled the Warriors ahead 39-24 to finish the half.

“We got rid of the nerves and we started to settle in,” said Burke. “Once you go down 18-2, it's tough. You use a lot of energy to bring it close and they hit a few threes to pull ahead by 15 again.”

Illiana Quadri opened the third quarter with a three-pointer on an open kick out followed by a pair of layups by sophomore teammate Mandy Sifferlen to put L-S up, 46-24, at 5:36 in the third quarter.

“We like to pass the ball quick around the three point line, so we can look in and try to get it to the post,” said Quadri. “We had a size advantage in this game. (The bigs) are definitely a big key in our game, because they do a fantastic job rebounding and always look to push it up the court and to the outlets.”

Seven straight points, including a covered three pointer by Moran, brought the margin back to fifteen. However, six low post points by Lutz (a sophomore) and a three pointer by teammate senior Lindsey Jones put an end to any comeback.

The Warriors ended the third quarter up 57-34.

Quadri lead the game in scoring with 26 points, while Lutz came in second with 16 points. Holmes and sophomore teammate Aleah Mc' Ausland-Ace lead Medford in scoring with 12 points each.

Medford was eight of 25 on layup attempts and scored 18 points from behind the arc.

The Warriors scored 22 points under the basket and 11 points off in the paint fouls.

“A little luck here and there with the layups and it could have been a different story,” said Burke.