Sports
Athens Girls Fall To Fairfield Union In Double Overtime
By: Tajah Smith
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In a non-conference competition Tuesday, the Athens Lady Bulldogs (0-2) fell 66-62 to the undefeated Fairfield Union Falcons (2-0). The gymnasium was filled to capacity with electricity stemming from both sides of the court in Lancaster.
This is the second consecutive loss for the Bulldogs bringing their record to 0-2 and foul shots were a key contributor. The Green and White were in foul trouble a majority of the game allowing an astounding 25 Falcon points from the foul line.
The Falcons controlled the game from the tipoff, while the Bulldogs came out of the cage sluggish.
The most controversial part of the game came with 4:50 left on the clock in the second quarter when Athens coach Wayne Horsley received a technical foul. It resulted after senior point guard Dominque Doseck was originally given a fouled on her layup and was sent to the free throw line. After deliberation, the referees took away Doseck’s bucket because the foul was on the floor. This call gave the possession back to Fairfield Union.
“I had to stand up for my young ladies and I am proud with how they responded,” Athens coach Wayne Horsely said about the violation.
Later, four out of five of Athens’ starters fouled out before the game-ending buzzer. The first Bulldog to be removed from the game was junior forward Rachel Gilkey in the fourth quarter. Following only a few minutes later, in the first of two overtimes, was senior point guard Dominique Doseck who recorded a team-high 19 points for the Bulldogs. The last to foul out for the Bulldogs was senior guard Olivia Harris. Without four of their key role players, Athens struggled in the game’s final stretch.
On the other side of the court the Falcons played an aggressive ball game showing no mercy to the Bulldogs. The Falcons came out of their cage flying around the Bulldogs on the court with their very effective offense. The White and Red were also faced with foul trouble though, allowing the Bulldogs 19 points from the foul line.
Fairfield was led by senior duo guard Savannah McCrady and center Courtney Bernard. The two combined for 34 points and 15 rebounds on the night. Like many Athens’ players though, Bernard’s game ended prematurely in overtime due to foul trouble.
Athens will have home court advantage as they face off against Fairland (0-1) Dec. 6 at the University of Rio Grande. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. As for Fairfield Union, they will be traveling to the Bloom Carroll (1-0). The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.