Blazers win season tip off

DEC. 7, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM—

In the first game of the season, the JV girls' basketball team defeated the Einstein Titans 41-25, boosting its record to 1-0.

Although Blair and Einstein were equally talented offensively, according to coach Kristin Werdann, "It was the defense that won us the game."

The game was kept close early in the night with the score tied 7-7 going into the second quarter, but as the game progressed, Blair quickly fell behind. Einstein played off the Blazers' sloppy passing and managed three back-to-back steals. Two two-point shots made with one minute on the clock thrust the Titans to a 17-14 lead at the end of the first half.

The Blazers returned from halftime refreshed and reenergized. Freshman point-guard Kalisha Holmes swiftly added two points to the scoreboard with a lay-up 30 seconds into the third quarter. Two minutes later, freshman Meghan Cadigan drained a jump shot assisted by freshman center Kymanhi West and tied the score 18-18. From this point, the Titans never regained the lead. Einstein's offense faltered and the Blazers benefited from rebounding several shots. Blair extended its lead to 25-22 when freshman Sara Ramsay made a lay up and hit a foul shot.

Blair continued to dominate during the fourth quarter. West made four consecutive unassisted lay ups, pushing Blair ahead 37-22 with four minutes left in regulation. In the last quarter, Einstein was only able to score three points, two of which were foul shots. The Blazers were noticeably more aggressive. Sophomore Kathy Jee scored Blair's last points after making an impressive steal, widening the gap 41-24.

West finished the night with 15 points and five rebounds, and Holmes produced ten points overall.

All of Blair's players received court time and worked well with one another, according to Cadigan. "It was the first time we really came together as a team," said Cadigan. "It was our first game, and I think it went pretty well tonight. Hopefully it will continue."

Though the majority of the players are inexperienced, Werdann is hopeful and confident that the girls will excel as the season progresses. "Our goal is get to 500 this year,” Werdann said. "I think we can do it."

The Blazers next play Bethesda-Chevy Chase on December 10 at 5:15.