With only nine seconds remaining on the clock, trailing three points behind Jonathan Dayton, the Blue Devils would do anything to tie it up. Ready for a fight, sophomore Megan Logan crossed up a Bulldog defender, carrying the ball all the way down the court and getting an open pass to sophomore Sophie Lane. Lane took a wide open shot from the corner that resulted in a three pointer, leading the team into an overtime where they were able to clutch a win, 36-34.
Although Westfield won, the game could have gone in either direction. All four quarters consisted of back-and-forth ball movement and the offensive momentum bounced between the Blue Devils and the Bulldogs. With Westfield scoring the first basket, it seemed to only increase Dayton’s need to try and stay on top. Although the score stayed close, Lane explained, “It was specifically designed, but we had an idea of where we would pass it. Sara [Rooney] and I were trying to get down to the three point line to try and tie it while the people who were inbounding the ball were trying to get it down the floor.”
Rooney, Lane and Logan continued the game looking to keep a powerful offensive mindset, especially after being down at the end of the first quarter. Going into the second, a spark erupted from the Blue Devils who managed to end the half in a tie.
The third quarter was difficult, for Westfield was unable to get a lead. Only a few shots were taken, and the majority of the third held Westfield defensive miscommunication and fast breaks from Jonathon Dayton. Logan explained, “I think us as a team we are always struggling with being rushed by the opponent like always living up to what they want us to do by rushing and turning the ball over. I think the bench and [coach] calling timeouts really helped us.”
With time to collect themselves between the final quarter, Logan was able to obtain the first point to put Westfield up one, adding points to the score sheet throughout the fourth. “We needed to do something, nothing was working. We had no energy, and Dayton came in here guns blazing. They wanted it. We needed to get our own energy, try and get some deflections and show them something different,” explained head coach Liz McKeon.
As it came time to play in overtime, both teams were ready to take home the victory. Both the Blue Devils and the Bulldogs held possession, but ultimately Westfield was able to take home the win from a free throw from Rooney.
The Blue Devils are back in action this Saturday at 11 a.m. against Governor Livingston at home.
