A rescheduled non-conference matchup turned into a back-and-forth battle on Saturday, as Pomperaug (10-9) came up just short in the 39-36 loss to East Lyme High School (12-6), in a game defined by momentum swings and late-game execution.
The Panthers showed resilience throughout the game, responding to an early deficit and using a strong stretch in the third quarter to take the lead back. Pomperaug’s 10-0 run in the third quarter was fueled by defensive stops and buckets from seniors Molly Schneider (7 points) and Mariella Genovese (4 points).
The Panthers held a 36-27 lead after a 7-0 run in the final quarter of play.
But it was the Vikings of East Lyme who went on a 12-0 run to close the game.
Freshman Dina Benelli-Donasciemento led the Panthers with 13 points, accounting for two of the team’s five three-pointers in the game. East Lyme’s top contributors included Cailin Delaney with 14 points and Bella Dmowksy with 12 points.
Following the game, coaches for both teams spoke of how much respect they have for each other and their programs.
“We always have a good battle,” said Fortier. “I thought they were much bigger than us at every position, but we did a good job of keeping them one-and-done.”
He noted a stretch of games in the season decided by two possessions or less, with a focus going forward on finding a way to finish the tightly contested games.
“Unfortunately, that’s been the story this year,” Fortier added.
The loss snapped Pomperaug’s three-game winning streak, with one final game in the regular season before conference playoffs.
For East Lyme, head coach P.J. Zipser said a reinforcement of leadership on the floor led to the team’s late-game execution.
“In the middle of the third quarter, we kind of got away from what makes us, us,” said Zipser. “But then we started executing.”
The non-conference matchup has turned into a friendly rivalry of sorts, with the teams meeting each of the past five years. Pomperaug has won three of those matchups, but East Lyme has emerged victorious this year and last year.
“We know they are going to be well coached, and we know it’s going to be a battle, no matter what year it is,” Zipser added. “It’s a good test to see where we stand compared to other parts of the state.”
Pomperaug’s final regular season game before conference playoffs will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at home against Notre Dame Prep.
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