By Jordan J. Michael

ROTTERDAM –– The girls of Guilderland and Mohonasen played a sloppy game of basketball on Tuesday. The Lady Warriors eventually cleaned up.

“We had some rushed shots tonight and we couldn’t really get the offense going,” said Lady Dutch Coach Frank Cacckello. “Our rushed offense created many chances for them.”

Guilderland lost on the road, 48 to 30, after Mohonasen got hot in the second half.

“They just started running all over us and hitting shots in the third quarter,” Cacckello said. “Our defense was commendable, but we couldn’t keep pace with their offense.”

The game was essentially over when Lady Warrior teammates Courtney Cowell and Lea McClain combined for three consecutive three-point buckets in the third quarter. Cowell hit the first two and McClain added the last.

“Those threes were a shot to the neck for sure,” said Cacckello. “They got up quick and we could not recover after that.”

Guilderland and Mohonasen had episodes of turning the ball over in the first quarter as the two teams felt each other out. Play was interrupted by travels, double dribbles, and errant passing.

Mackenzie Michelle hit a three for the Lady Dutch and Jennifer Madsen handled the ball well and sank a nice left-handed mini hook. The Lady Warriors had an 11 to 9 lead after the first.

“Madsen and Alicia Bowman are the senior leaders on the floor,” Cacckello said. “Madsen did a great job shutting down their point-guard tonight.”

The turnovers continued in the second quarter and Mohonasen had a couple of players go to the foul line. Michelle Aviza put up a three that looked more like a pass to Ashley Tallman waiting under the hoop. Tallman calmly put it in for the score.

It was a rough first half for both teams and the Lady Warriors had a 19-to-13 lead after Madsen missed a shot at the buzzer. The second half would belong to Mohonasen.

“This team goes through waves because we’re still a bit on the younger side,” said Cacckello. “These girls are great players, but they still have a lot to learn about the game.”

Guilderland came out with a couple of quick buckets at the start of the third quarter and found themselves up one for a few moments. Then the threes rained down for the Lady Warriors.

Mohonasen was now up, 28 to 20, in a matter of minutes. Aviza had a beautiful steal and took it all the way down the court to complete the individual effort. Cacckello told The Enterprise that the Lady Warriors are a “great shooting team.”

Mohonasen had a 14-to-2 run and led, 36 to 22, at the end of the third session. The game was out of reach for the Lady Dutch, losing 48 to 30. It was Guilderland’s third loss in a row.

“We have hit a bump in the road and that will happen in the Suburban Council,” said Cacckello. “We started off the season great, winning our Thanksgiving tournament.”

The Lady Warriors were led by Nicole Adach’s 14 points and Cowell’s 12. Aviza added nine points. Melissa Winnie scored eight points as Guilderland’s top scorer for the night.

“I was happy with the defense, but a little disappointed with the offense,” Cacckello said. “It’s Basketball 101 at practice. We’re constantly working on basic skills.”

Cacckello mentioned that his team is usually hovering around the top of the league as it prepares for a home game against Columbia on Friday.

“Hopefully, the wave will start turning our direction,” said Cacckello.