SSPP girls varsity hoops wins third game

The Saints Peter & Paul varsity girls basketball team raised its record to 3-1 with a hard fought 15-14 victory over St. Benedict's on Thursday.

Alyssa Bellus, Julia Collins, and Paige Hanley experienced a physical game against a strong, quick St. Benedict's squad. Hanley led the Knights with five points, including the game-winning free throw with two minutes left. Bellus and Collins each added two points.

Samantha Basile and Marla Calabro also dealt with the fast-paced St. Benedict's team at guard by keeping the opposition from running a successful fast break while adding four and two points, respectively.

Claire Haumesser and Alexis Parry played well at center by pulling down rebounds for the offense and defense. Victoria Mendiola and Jessica Lynett kept up the fast-paced game at guard. Michelle Haumesser, Maury Fields, and Hope Genco made several excellent plays at forward, including several steals. Once again, Kathleen Ruggiero and Jessica Clark rounded out the team at guard for a total team effort against a strong opponent.

SSPP 17, Swormsville 15

SSPP pushed its record to 2-1 with a 17-15 win over St. Mary's Swormsville on Jan. 8.

Julia Collins had strong steady play at forward throughout the game while scoring five points. Samantha Basile helped spark a steady push against a strong St Mary's offense by stealing the ball twice and breaking down the court, only to be fouled while in the act of shooting. Basile made 1-of-4 free throws and finished the game with five points.

Alyssa Bellus once again played solid at center, pulling down some much needed defensive rebounds and blocking several shots. Forward Paige Hanley blocked several shots and also added four points. Olivia Jakson, not to be outdone at guard, stole the ball several times and added three points.

Marla Calabro, Jessica Lynett, and Victoria Mendiola had solid games at guard keeping St. Mary's from getting any organized offense together.

Alexis Parry, Michelle Haumesser, and Maury Fields filled in at the center and forward positions with solid play in the third and fourth quarters. Hope Genco, Kathleen Ruggiero, and Jessica Clark rounded out the team at guard for a total team effort and win.