On Feb.19, the No. 2 seed Westfield faced No. 3 seed Plainfield in the Union County Tournament Semifinal. Members of the audience were fighting for control of the gymnasium as players got pushed, shoved and whistles blew. Plainfield had been in a ten point deficit for the whole game, but crept back up in the fourth quarter to take the lead 41-38. Mairin Fowler’s foul shots would decide the game, as she made both free throws, despite immense pressure from the roaring crowd to give Westfield the lead of 46-43.
The game had a slow start, setting the tone as a defensive battle. Plainfield was the first to put points on the board with six minutes left in the first quarter, but Westfield responded shortly after, taking the lead at 5-2. Following a basket from junior Megan Logan and a shot from sophomore Catherine Olivera, junior Sophie Lane closed out the first quarter by making both free throws putting Westfield up 11-4. These foul shots would prove to be the most important asset for Westfield. Head coach Liz McKeon said, “Free throws are always important, that’s why we harp on them for moments like this when it makes the difference in the game.”
During the second quarter, Westfield maintained offensive dominance and held Plainfield to nine points, extending their lead to 25-15. Lane shined at the end of the half, with a three pointer and free throws, despite Plainfield’s defensive strategies. “Plainfield is an aggressive team. But we motivate each other and push each other through when it gets rough,” said Oliviera.
Agreeing with Oliviera, Fowler said, “We knew it was going to be a scrappy game. Plainfield is always tough and we knew we would have to match that intensity.”
The Cardinals’ frustration showed in the second half. Players became more physical and kept Westfield on a short leash. After a quiet beginning to the third quarter, Plainfield’s offense had a hot streak, taking Westfield’s lead down to 36-27. What had been an easy ride for the Blue Devils quickly turned into a nail-biter, with Plainfield having a sudden surge in the fourth quarter. “We essentially fell apart at the end, but we did it enough to keep our composure,” said McKeon.
The fourth quarter had viewers jumping out of their seats, roaring with every shot and foul, featuring quick pockets of silence to see what referees called. It was foul after foul for both teams, players began showing their frustration through shoves as audiences jeered. “We lost the lead and the Plainfield crowd was getting intense,” said Fowler. “It was a lot of pressure, but the energy was electric.”
“Both sides were so loud and there was so much energy, there were times I couldn’t hear what my teammates were saying,” said Olivera. “But that energy is what motivates us.”
The Blue Devils will be beach in action for the Union County Tournament Finals on Sunday Feb. 23 at Kean University.
