Knights Defeat Depleted Lady Pirates

The Mepham Girls Basketball team is in the midst of a disappointing season, losing their last game to MacArthur, 71-26. Currently ranked last in the standings with a 1-8 record in conference, it just doesn't seem to be getting any better for the Pirates. In the latest game against the Uniondale Knights you can add one more to both the loss and the injured list as the Pirates fell 61-18.

The most recent injury to strike Mepham is All-County Sophomore Kristen O'Brien, the teams leading scorer from their last matchup. Kristen was fouled hard in the third quarter Wednesday night, but completed the game scoring 10 points with 10 rebounds.

"Go figure. Bronchitis and she also banged up her thigh in the last game. We thought it couldn't get any worse," said Mepham coach Jim Mulvey. "But freshman are in and gaining good experience."

Early on the Pirates made some bad passes that helped Uniondale to a 19-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. In fact the Pirates had several turnovers on intercepted passes within a minute and Uniondale made each one hurt.

In the second half the Pirates seemed to settle down a bit, making better passes and taking better shots, but they just didn't seem to fall. Uniondale grabbed a commanding lead 38-8 by the half.

Mepham continued to play hard in the third quarter as the buckets started to fall, although they were still out scored 9-8 for the quarter. The highlight of the quarter for Mepham was a great second effort buzzer beater by Pirates freshman Christina Rebel. Rebel with mere ticks left grabbed a rebound and went hard to the basket, just beating the clock.

Another honorable mention was the effort given by Mepham freshman Mary Gallgano who hit a three-pointer from way behind the line sending the fans in attendance to their feet.

"She's a great athlete, and she's looking sharp out there," Mulvey said.

Uniondale will add this victory to an already impressive win column atop the conference standing.

"We have a veteran team, with some very competitive athletes. We played in transition," said Uniondale coach Danielle Nicol.

The Knights moved the ball all evening with skill and speed.

"They're a good team and they worked hard," said Mulvey.

The Pirates look to the road for their next game on Friday, Jan. 29 against Baldwin. With a full week of rest, the team has hopes to get some of their veteran players back.