LIVINGSTON MANOR – Starting strong and finishing strong are key elements in both sports and life, and for Eldred and Livingston Manor, each chose one and clung to it. Eldred’s hot start to the game afforded them just enough of a lead to weather the late rally by Livingston Manor, and the Lady Yellowjackets earned their second division win 25-22.

It was the first division matchup for the Wildcats, who entered the game with a 4-7 overall record. Livingston Manor got out-paced throughout the first three quarters, but an 11-2 run in the fourth put them in a position to tie or take the lead as the final minute ticked down.

Kristina Davis, who has been a usual leading scorer for the Lady Wildcats posted a game-high 16 points. On the other side, Lily Gonzalez and Jada Reed each netted 12 in the win.

Eldred, who for the first part of the season did a majority of their scoring in the second halves of games, got to the basket early, outscoring their opponents 8-3 in the first quarter. They continued to build their lead in the second, closing out the half with a 13-7 lead. 

Neither defense allowed much offense in the first half, and that trend continued into the third. Eldred outscored LM 7-4 in the third quarter to build their lead up to 9, and after scoring the first basket of the fourth quarter, the Yellowjackets’ lead seemed comfortable at 11.

But then the Wildcats woke up. Led by Kristina Davis, who scored 7 of her 16 during that fourth quarter run, the rest of the team rallied around and forced defensive stops and turnovers.

Eldred’s guards were met with pressure around the perimeter, forcing them to move the ball quickly, which resulted in turnovers and contested shots.

During Livingston Manor’s 11-point surge, Eldred knocked down just one shot, which turned out to be the difference.

With under a minute to go, the Yellowjackets were up 24-22, Livingston Manor was on the offensive and looking to tie. Davis had a good look in the paint, but the defense was able to contest the shot and Eldred rebounded the miss. After being fouled, Gonzalez knocked down 1-2 free throws and extended the Eldred lead back to three, which is where it would stay at the final buzzer.

After the loss, Livingston Manor coach Maggi Fitzpatrick said, “We have to show up in the first half. I’m proud of how our defense has played, especially today, but we have to get into the offense sooner. I’ve seen a lot of improvement in the girls since the beginning of the season.”

Eldred’s coach Jordan Lepes was similarly proud of her team. She said, “Usually we’re a second half team, but today we started out strong in the first. We did a much better job of moving the ball today and they’re improving, but still need to work on finishing.”

The teams are scheduled for a rematch tonight in Eldred at 5:30 p.m.