RallyNorth.net

Pentucket defense in championships form

Sunday, March, 04 By Marisa Ingemi

WEST NEWBURY — If defense wins championships, Pentucket could go a long way.

Behind a massive defensive effort, the Sachems pulled away from Newburyport for a 41-25 win in the Division 2 North quarterfinals.

“Our defense was excellent, and our defense won the game,” said Sachems coach John McNamara. “Our offense struggled. We struggled at the foul line. We haven’t played in 12 days, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse because Newburyport is a very tough opponent.”

After leading 12-11 after the first quarter, the Clippers (15-7) were held to just 13 points for the rest of the contest. 

“This is our first tournament game,” said McNamara. “That bye can help you, but also I think we were nervous. We were rushing and settled down in the second quarter.”

Clippers coach Gregg Dollas said, “Their intensity of their defense changed the game. I thought we missed just a few open passes and shots. And I thought some of the refereeing changed the way the game was being played. When you call five travels ... It got changed after the first quarter.

“We fought hard, but they played phenomenal. Pentucket played awesome.”

Casey Hunt led Pentucket with 10 points and Maddie Doyle had nine.

The one area where the Sachems did struggle was from the foul line, shooting under 50 percent, and allowing the Clippers to stay in the game into the second half.

Pentucket beat the Clippers 44-32 and 47-39 in the regular season.

Up Next: Melrose

No. 2 Pentucket (21-2) advances to face No. 3 Melrose (19-3) in the Division 2 North semifinals.

The Red Raiders struggled against No. 14 Arlington Catholic in the first round (46-44) then dumped No. 6 Danvers, 57-43, on Saturday night.

Pentucket 41, Newburyport 25

Division 2 North Quarterfinals

Newburyport (25): Pons 2-1-5, Cavanaugh 0-0-0, Gouldthorpe 0-0-0, Hadden 2-1-5, Winn 0-0-0, Padellaro 4-3-13, Vandenberg 0-0-0, Gillingham 0-0-0, Hickman 1-0-2. Totals: 9-5-25

Pentucket (41): Galvin 2-0-6, B. Doyle 1-1-3, Hunt 3-4-10, M. Doyle 3-0-9, Yacubacci 2-3-7, Hurley 0-2-2, Cross 2-0-4, Linnehan 0-0-0. Totals: 13-10-41

3-pointers: P — M. Doyle 3, Galvin 2; N — Padellaro 2

Newburyport (15-7):     12  2  9 2 — 25

Pentucket (21-2):     11 16 11 3 — 41