By Mike Maltais
The Liberty Bell High School varsity girls’ basketball team rode the momentum of an 18-point second-quarter surge to leave visiting Riverside Christian in the rear-view mirror in non-league action Saturday (Jan. 11).
Led by 15 points from freshman Lauren Fitzmaurice and 11 from junior Sarina Williams, the Lady Lions combined good rebounding and aggressive play with an effective press to keep their opponents off balance much of the game.
Following a neck-and-neck 7-7 first quarter, Liberty Bell opened up a 12-point lead in the second quarter and didn’t let the Crusaders back into the game in the second half despite losing two players to fouls.
“We ran the floor really well, started to make good passes and had quite a few shot attempts,” said coach Deed Fink. The coach also singled out the hustle of freshman Exie Romero.
“She’s a real workhorse on the floor,” Fink said.
Liberty Bell vs. Riverside Christian
Lauren Fitzmaurice — 16 pts
Sarina Williams — 11
Mahayla Phillips — 6
Haley Bakke — 4
Monica Chavey — 4
Exie Romero — 1
Lily Stoothoff –1
In an earlier game at Kittitas on Jan.7, the Lady Lions had the Coyotes “on the ropes for three quarters,” said Fink, but fouls made the difference in the final quarter.
Kittitas was only leading by four points after the third period when three Lady Lions were sidelined giving the Coyotes enough advantage to pull out a 45-34 win.
Liberty Bell vs. Kittitas
Monica Chavey — 12 pts
Sarina Williams — 9
Lauren Fitzmaurice — 7
Mahayla Phillips — 4
Julie McMillan — 2
The Lady Lions were scheduled to host Bridgeport Tuesday (Jan. 14). Liberty Bell will travel to Manson Friday (Jan. 17) and be back home to host Lake Roosevelt Tuesday (Jan. 21).
