Going into the final stretch of the season, the Guilderland Girls’ Senior League team is currently in first place, with the final games scheduled for next weekend.

Despite missing two key players (Michelle Burmistrova and Lindsey Garrant), Guilderland was still able to finish strong against opponent Bethlehem, 38 to 22. Guards Meghan Bruni and Francesca Constantini led the scoring with eight points each, followed by strong jumpers from Alexandra Benjamin (six points).

Outside shooting from Amanda Conklin and Haley Hoffman added an additional eight points for Guilderland. Strong offensive rebounding from Sarina Cannavo, Paige Pizzemento, and Samia Baker combined for a total of eight additional points, securing the lead for Guilderland.

A strong, balanced effort from all highlighted Guilderland’s play and it rewarded the team with another win.

Biddy B

The Guilderland Biddy B team played a great game last Saturday. It took an early lead, but fell behind at halftime when Niskayuna had a 10-to-0 run.

Behind by 12 points at halftime, the Biddy B team did not give up. The team scratched and clawed its way back into the game and all the players contributed with great defense.

With less than 30 seconds left in the game, Guilderland was within two points, but time ran out on a courageous comeback.

The final score was 27 to 25.  

Graycen Dubin led all scorers with 19 points. It was a great effort by the ladies on the Biddy B team.

Junior B

Guilderland faced off against Niskayuna last Saturday for the second meeting of the season. The Lady Dutch came out strong, but lost steam quickly, allowing the Warriors to pull ahead midway through the first half.

Guilderland intensified the player-to-player defense in the second half, but its ferocity was too little, too late. Niskayuna came away with the win, 25 to 19. Rachel Mastrianni led the Lady Dutch in scoring with 12 points.

For the second consecutive weekend, Guilderland matched up against St. Matthew’s, although this outing went much differently.

Last weekend, the Lady Dutch fought hard to pull out a comeback win. St. Matthew’s was not deterred this time around; it flew ahead early and didn’t look back.

Guilderland lost, 39 to 25. Amelia Kedik dominated the boards with eight rebounds, followed closely by Rachel Mastrianni with six rebounds.

Fourth grade team

The Guilderland Storm took on a tough Burnt Hills squad this past weekend. Burnt Hills scored early, but the Guilderland defense would allow no more in the first half.

Hayley Bonavita (six points) and Kendall Rafferty dominated under the basket as Laila Nino and Grace McFerran harassed their opponents at the point. Caroline Burns and Empress Lee controlled the wings as Guilderland raced out to a 12-to-2 halftime lead.  

The second half was sloppy for both teams with numerous missed shots keeping the score down. The Storm was down two players with Ava Lia and Valencia Fontennelle both out with knee injuries, but Guilderland continued to excel at defense as Lauren Thompson, Savanna Henderson, and Gwen Wronski caused several turnovers and kept the Burnt Hills team off balance.

In the end, Guilderland pulled out the win, 18 to 6.