Slaters hold off Cosmos

Fair Haven made 9 of 11 free throws in the fourth quarter to hold off upset-minded Springfield Monday night, 45-42.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20130108/SPORTS02/701089827

Published January 8, 2013 in the Rutland Herald Slaters hold off Cosmos By POODY WALSH Correspondent SPRINGFIELD — Fair Haven made 9 of 11 free throws in the fourth quarter to hold off upset-minded Springfield Monday night, 45-42, in a Matrble Valley League game at Dressel Gym. Even though Springfield had split its first four games, coach Joe brown kept on insisting that “We can play with anyone.” And they did as the 6-1 Slaters had their hands full. “This is a tough place to play and (Springfield point guard) Chelsea McAllister is one of the best players in the state, offensively and defensively,” Fair Haven coach Kyle Wilsonsaid. While McAllister had a solid 21-point night, when it came to crunch time it was the Fair Haven free throw shooting that was the difference. The final few minutes were hectic and even though the Slaters never lost the lead, the gap was twice closed to one point. Senior Jennifer Genier played a huge role in the win as she hit 6 of 8 foul shots in the final 47 seconds. “She really stepped up,” Wilsonsaid. With Fair Haven leading 41-37, McAllister mad a conventional three-point play to make it 41-40. Genier then went to the line two consecutive times and on each occasion made the front end of one-and-ones. Though she missed the back end of both trips, the lead was 43-40 with 22.7 to go. Both coaches were calling timeouts like they had an unlimited supply. Springfield’s Rachel Ells showed some poise as she made two free throws with 13.1 seconds to go to make it 43-42. Springfield again had to foul to stop the clock and once more Genier went to the line and this time she made both to bring it to 45-42. Springfield still had 5.2 seconds left, but a hurried 3-point attempt from McAllister was short. “This wasn’t one of our better efforts, but it sure was a good test for us,” Wilsonsaid. Springfield got the fine effort despite having three girls, Jill Rushton, Corrina Nichols and Lexie Bellows all sidelined with injuries. The Slaters had great success with the entry pass in the first half as they piled up the points with surprisingly easy baskets underneath. “That really hurt us early, but we got better at defending that as the game went along,” said Brown. “We know that’s what they do, but they still had some success.” Brown felt that the team needs to practice harder and be mentally prepared. “I think the players know after tonight that if we can play with the No. 2 team in the state we can hang in there no matter who we are playing.” There were times that Fair Haven looked like they were going to open up a big gap, but each time Springfield fired back. With 1:17 to play in the second quarter the Slaters had a 24-18 edge, their biggest lead of the night, but Springfield scored the final five points of the period and went hootin’ and hollerin’ into the lockerroom. Springfield’s Abby Cox had a 10-point game which included a huge 3 when Springfield was behind 39-34 with just over four minutes to play. Genier was the top Slater scorer with 10. Beth Lanfear had seven and three other players had six. Springfield goes to Twin Valley Thursday and Fair Haven heads back down the road to Windsor on Friday.