Coming off of Head Coach Jim Gallivan’s first playoff victory at Walpole against Notre Dame Academy, the Rebels were looking to extend their hot streak and take down top seeded Duxbury. Unfortunately, the Dragons firepower proved too much for Walpole as they barely avoided the upset giving Walpole the 52-46 loss.
Walpole entered the game facing by far the biggest crowd they have seen all year, including a hectic Duxbury crowd. Luckily for Walpole, the starting lineup came out ready to fight as they came out swinging while not letting the intimidation of the big crowd affect their play. Junior Summer King dominated the Dragons in the paint as she went on to led the team in scoring with 22 points. King’s play helped lead the Rebels showing Duxbury in the early minutes that they were not afraid to play the #1 seed.
Junior Julie Moser said, “Being the #8 seed playing against the #1 was definitely intimidating but we were just as good as them and could keep up.”
The Rebels were faced with a tough task having to deal with height they have not seen all season. Duxbury’s forwards were unlike most that Walpole faced this season in the Bay State League, with a 6’1 forward, Catherine Harrison and a 6’4 forward, Molly Quilty. Despite this, Walpole’s defense held them to 25 points combined. The Rebels aggressive play let to only a one point deficit by the end of the first quarter, a score that astonished some as Duxbury came into the game heavily favorited. However, Walpole could not keep up with the Dragons firepower going up 25-17 at halftime and slowly furthering their lead to eight by the end of the third quarter.
Senior Captain Elizabeth Ryan said, “We definitely gave them good competition, but unfortunately we ran out of time.”
“We played a really good game. Everyone off the bench came in and worked hard. We didn’t stop fighting until the final buzzer and although it’s devastating to walk off the court on the losing side, we really did leave everything we had on the court.” said senior Bri Doherty. Although the Rebels cut the lead to 46-43 with 2 minutes to go in the last quarter, Junior captain of Duxbury, Jackie Sullivan hit 3 free throws and a 3 pointer to end the game 52-46. Although the team must now say goodbye to 5 key seniors Ryan, Doherty, Lina Feeley, Nell Sandvos, and Abbey Smith as this season comes to an end, the team is now looking towards next season to continue Walpole Girls Basketball successful program.
