Girls basketball

Lady Wildcats begin their quest

By JACKIE TROTTI, LIVINGSTON MANOR HS

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — The Livingston Manor Lady Wildcats are an equal blend of old and new. Five new players—Bionca Colton, Desirae Dutcher, Chelsea Ademac, Denene Irwan and Kayla Quinones—are joining five veterans—Heather Sherwood, Megan Ellison, Jackie Trotti, Katie Portz and Rose Curtis, on their quest for a section title.

With only seven out of 10 players eligible on December 1, Livingston Manor started its season in the Eldred holiday tournament. They faced Chapel Field in the first round. The Lady Wildcats gave their best effort, but succumbed to the Lady Lions’ defense in a final score of 52 to 42.

Heather Sherwood scored 24 points and Jackie Trotti added 14 points for the Lady Wildcats. Jessica Weijak led Chapel Field with 17 points.

In the consolation game on December 6, the Lady Wildcats faced off against The Family School Lady Falcons. The Falcons played hard, but the Wildcats kept their offense in check. Megan Ellison had 13 points, and Trotti added 12 points for the Wildcats.

On December 7, the Wildcats played the Sullivan West Lady Bulldogs. At the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs were up by 20, and the Lady Wildcats were in foul trouble. Sullivan West was already in the bonus.

After halftime, the Lady Wildcats finally showed some life. They came out hard and forced some turnovers. The Bulldogs kept their composure and won the game. The final score was 55 to 30.

April Ackermann had 18 points; Sarah Lander and Kate Fanning both added 13 points for Sullivan West. Trotti led Livingston Manor with 13 points.

“We are moving on the right track towards our goal of winning our section. There is still work to do, but we are getting closer,” Wildcat coach Kevin Clifford said.

Lady Bulldogs get out of the gate at 3-0

By RICHARD A. ROSS

richardross@riverreporter.com

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — For coach Ron Bernhardt and the 2005 Lady Bulldogs, the competition has been perfectly manageable thus far. Now the fun starts. This week the Bulldogs—who are now 3-0 following their 74-7 demolition of Fallsburg, their 53-36 handling of S.S.Seward and their 55-30 win over Livingston Manor—travel to Cornwall to take on the big girls of Class A. tThe Lady Dawgs will return home to take on Class A Port Jervis.

Thus far, the Bulldogs have gotten solid play up front from Kate Fanning and April Ackermann. They have been supported by the refreshing presence of newcomer Rachel Houghtaling in the post.

With Erin Bernhardt returning to the point guard and guard Sarah Lander’s fine shooting, the Bulldogs are balanced and intense. Cornwall will be a real acid test of the team’s ability to deal with a higher level of talent.