From the first tip-off, the Blue Devils were lights out. Everything from offense to defense limited Union’s attempts at creating any chances, leading to a commanding 51-30 victory over the Farmers and sending Westfield to the sectional final.
Despite Union getting the first two points up on the scoreboard, the Blue Devils were able to shut them down and answer with basket after basket. Union was unable to find their offensive rhythm and could not stop Westfield’s chances defensively, ending the first quarter in a 13-point deficit.
The Blue Devils did not back down in the second quarter. Head coach Liz McKeon credited the Blue Devils, saying, “I think when we got into our rhythm, we did a good job of sharing the basketball when we were attacking the rim and not sailing for threes.” Westfield ended the first half up 31-12.
However, this dominant attitude did not continue into the third quarter. Union came out of halftime with nothing to lose, going on a 10-0 run in the first four minutes of the third quarter. The Blue Devils looked startled until senior tri-captain Megan Logan was able to find the basket, allowing Westfield to settle down and find some momentum again.
While Westfield was outscored 17-8 in the third quarter, they remained composed and responded with resilience. Senior tri-captain Sophie Lane said, “Communicating on defense and talking with each other was important. We had to stop their best player from driving a lot, so I think [when] we were able to do that, we were able to get better on offense.”
Junior Mairin Fowler added, “Focusing on the things we could control is really important in a game like this. Just playing good defense, making sure that we’re doing everything to not look like we’re fouling and sticking to our fundamentals.”
Given the many disagreements between the home side and the referees, McKeon emphasized the impact of the officiating over the course of the game. Despite this setback, which seemed to make the biggest difference in the third quarter, the team was not phased and continued to generate countless opportunities.
The Blue Devils will travel to Bayonne on Friday at 5:30 p.m. for the sectional final. During the 2024-25 season, Westfield took home the win, and they are looking to do the same this year.
With the season on the line, Westfield will continue working on their connection, improving their ability to move on offense and doing what has gotten them this far in the season. Fowler said, “[We are] treating every practice like it could be our last, and [we will] prepare through our normal drills and stuff.”
