Freshman Stars In Sharon Girls Hoop Senior Night Win

The inched closer to a state tournament berth, defeating Stoughton, 63-55, at home Friday night.

Along with the victory, the team also celebrated its four seniors.

Ironically, it was a freshman who sparked Sharon in the fourth quarter.

Lily Abarbanel connected on five 3-pointers, including three straight in less than 90 seconds in the fourth quarter, to push a four-point lead to nine for the Eagles.

"Lily has been one of our most solid players," head coach Kate Horsmann said.

"When she doesn't shoot, I get mad at her."

As a team, Sharon knocked down nine 3-pointers.

"Our senior leadership is what got us through this game," Horsmann added.

"Liz Wluka battles every minute that she's out there, even when she's not making baskets."

Wluka, one of the team's four seniors, made her fair share of baskets on the night, leading Sharon with 17 points and eight rebounds, while shooting five of eight from the free throw line.

The Eagles entered the final quarter with a four-point lead, 47-43, and only allowed Stoughton to pull within two points before gaining control.

Senior Franny Santiago also added to the cause with six points.

"She has been playing terrific down the stretch," Horsmann said.

"She handled the pressure, made some big shots tonight and played great defense."

Sharon jumped out early in the game, 11-4, aided by three trifectas. Two of them from Abarbanel and the other from senior Ali Handler.

Handler finished with five points and senior Steph Bartas scored a basket for two points.

"Ali is our best communicator, and I thought that was important tonight," Horsmann explained.

"They're (Stoughton) huge so I think the minutes that Steph Bartas gave us were really important."

The Eagles are now 7-9 overall and 4-8 in the Hockomock League. Stoughton falls to 3-10 and 3-9 in league play.

Sharon will finish its Hockomock regular season at North Attleboro at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.