Bangor quickly jumped on the Panthers following the opening tip.
It didn’t take long for the Colonial League leading Bangor Slaters to take control of Wednesday night’s contest against the Lady Panthers. After Saucon sophomore Olivia Williams tied the game early at 3-3, the Slaters went on a 17-0 run. Saucon Valley’s Brooke Riefenstahl finally broke the Panther scoring drought by hitting a layup with only 1:58 left in the opening quarter. Bangor finished the first period scoring a three-pointer and with a 23-5 lead.
The Panther defense collapsed but Bangor often found the open player.
The Panthers came out strong to start the second quarter and scored the first five points. Helen Kreschollek and Katie Kramer each converted layups while Katherine Naiburg hit a free-throw. The Lady Panthers closed the gap to 23-10 but it was all the closer they’d get. Bangor closed out the second period outscoring Saucon Valley 11-2. At halftime, the Slaters were firmly in control with a 34-12 lead.
The officials called a tight game against the Lady Panthers.
The Lady Panthers gave up a total of seventeen points to Bangor in the third period. More critical was Saucon only being able to score twice during the eight minute stanza. Sophomore Kat Naiburg netted a free-throw at 5:25 and junior Helen Kreschollek hit a layup at 3:23. The team quickness of the Slaters often smothered the Panther offense and created turnovers. After three periods it was a lopsided 51-15 advantage for Bangor.
The Slaters found space and made their shots against the Lady Panthers.
During the fourth period Saucon outscored the Slaters 7-3. But, it was too little too late. The Panthers received free-throw points from Olivia Williams, Brianna Estojak and Katie Kramer. In addition, Isabelle Medei hit a jumper for two points. The final score was 54-22.
Sometimes it is necessary to take a step back before continuing forward. The Lady Panthers certainly did not play their best game. Committing excessive fouls and turnovers against a quality team like Bangor is not a good path to success. Credit Bangor for their 2-2-1 half-court defense and pressuring the Panthers into turnovers. The Lady Slaters had decent size and were very quick with active hands. The Panthers will need to learn from this experience, put it behind them and take the next step forward in their development.
Juniors Meghan Barone and Brieann Ohland led the Lady Slaters with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Junior Helen Kreschollek and sophomore Olivia Williams each had 4 points for the Panthers.
Up Next: Friday night the Lady Panthers hit the road for an away game at Wilson.
