Freshman Lady Hornets pull out fourth win in last five games

Allison Steen (23) blocks a shot. (Photo by Kevin Nagle)

At half time we talked about how our energy level was not real high. We were not rebounding or defending real well and a lot of that is about how hard we are playing. We also talked about how were not getting good possessions. We were getting good shots, but they were quick shots that Cabot wanted us to take.

Kalia Walker hit 3 pointers to tie then to give the Bryant Lady Hornets the lead in the late going and the team got big defensive plays from Allison Steen and Rachel Studdard as they rallied for a 21-20 win over the Cabot Red Lady Panthers Monday night.

It was the fourth win in the last five games for Bryant, now 10-13 overall and 4-4 in league play going into their final regular-season contest at home against Conway White on Thursday.

The Lady Hornets earned the victory despite the loss of one of the team’s top rebounders and scorers, Mary Catherine Selig, who was ill.

Walker, who scored her team’s last 10 points in the game, finished with 12. Allie Dugan had 3 with Meagan Chism, Lauren Burnett and Steen adding 2 each.

Bryant trailed 7-2 after a quarter and 12-4 at halftime.

“At the half, we talked about how our energy level was not real high,” said Lady Hornets coach Nathan Castaldi. “We were not rebounding or defending real well and a lot of that is about how hard we are playing. We also talked about how we were not getting good possessions. We were getting good shots but they were quick shots that Cabot wanted us to take.

Allie Dugan fights for a rebound. (Photo by Kevin Nagle)

“In the second half we did a much better job of being patient against Cabot’s zone and getting the shots that we wanted,” he continued. “We also did a much better job defensively.”

Dugan hit a 3 in the third quarter to spark the Lady Hornets.

“It also forced Cabot to come out a little in their zone,” Castaldi noted.

Going into the fourth quarter, Cabot Red’s lead was 16-13. Walker hit a pair of driving layups then hit the 3 that tied the game at 18. After Cabot hit a layup to regain the upper hand, Walker knocked down a second 3 to put Bryant on top 21-20 with :45 left.

“We missed three free throws which would have extended the lead late but had some great defense to hold on,” said Castraldi. “Allison Steen blocked a layup on one possession and then Rachel Studdard forced a turnover on Cabot’s last possession.”