White Leads Sohegan to Opening Win
Posted on December 28th 2011
by. Julia Maldonado
NASHUA, NH --- In Pool B’s first day of action at the Nashua North Holiday Tournament, the Division II reigning champion Souhegan Sabers defeated the Exeter Blue Hawks, who are currently 0-4 in Division I.
Souhegan’s senior point guard Jane White scored a game-high 26 points and also contributed with 10 steals on defense, while forward Tori Foorest had 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Sabers set the pace from the start, running the floor on offense and pressuring Exeter’s back court with a full-court press. The16-1 score at the end first quarter proved Souhegan’s dominance on both ends of the court.
In the second quarter, both teams exchanged baskets at an even rate as Souhegan outscored Exeter by a slim margin of 13-12. Exeter freshman guard Katie Day scored seven points to keep the Blue Hawks within 17 going into the half. After the break, Souhegan pulled away and extended their lead to 30, lead by sophomore guard Mickenze Larivee’s six points in the third quarter. Exeter’s shooting improved in the fourth quarter, with captain Meghan Graham scoring six points and guards Day and junior Taylor Grijalva each netting a three-pointer. However, the Blue Hawks’ team foul total reached 10 in the fourth quarter, which allowed Souhegan to take two free throws after every foul. Souhegan went 5 for 8 from the line in the fourth quarter and held on for the 54-30 win.
After the game, Souhegan and Bentley University bound Jane White shared some thoughts about the start of her senior season.
“We are coming off of a 22-0 season last year,” said White. “We lost against Bedford, which is a top team in our division, in the first game of this season, so we got the monkey off our back. We lost crucial players from last year’s team."
Despite graduating several key players from last year's championship team, the return of White at the point guard position is instrumental as the senior leader has taken on added responsibility this season.
“We have a young team,” said White. “We have to have patience with the underclassmen who make mistakes that the older girls don’t make. I just try to lead and give these girls confidence.”
White was pleased with her team’s performance in their first game of the tournament, stating that the tournament this week is good for the younger girls to get game experience before returning to regular season play.
