After defeating Fox Lane 51-43 February 3, each of the Lady Garnets hugged their head coach, Mary Henwood, exuberantly. There was good reason for the show of enthusiasm.

 

By Melanie Cane

 

After defeating Fox Lane 51-43 February 3, each of the Lady Garnets hugged their head coach, Mary Henwood, exuberantly. There was good reason for the show of enthusiasm.

“It was an especially important game,” said senior captain Grace Leishman. “Fox Lane is in our League, and we still have our eyes on a League championship.”

 

Against the Foxes, the 9-7 Garnets played a solid game against a very tough team for all four quarters. Rye outscored Fox Lane 14-6 in the second quarter to take a 23-18 lead into the half, but their opponents were able to whittle their way within two by the end of the third quarter. The Garnets showed resolve, however, and executed perfectly in the final minutes to put the Foxes away.

 

Many players were crucial in the win. Point guard Rachel Egan played brilliantly, accounting for 25 of the team’s 51 points. She is a fierce competitor and true team player who performs flawlessly, sees the whole court, and creates scoring opportunities for her teammates. She swished five 3-pointers, and was a perfect 4-for-4 at the charity stripe.

 

Leishman played big defensively and chipped in 14 points. Katie Killip snared 10 rebounds, many of which came at critical junctures in the game.

 

“We handled the pressure nicely, and Rachel Egan played beautifully,” said Leishman. “I’m really pleased with how we’ve progressed.”
Henwood is also thrilled with her team.

 

“We are playing with confidence and our role players are stepping up,” said the longtime coach. “It’s a great time for this to happen as we gear up for playoffs.”

 

The Garnets finished the regular season February 9 at home against Byram Hills. Playoff seeds will be announced February 13.