Lady Cardinals Keeps Win Streak Rolling

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Greenwich's Emily Anderson plays tough defense against New Canaan (Evan Triantafilidis photo)
Greenwich’s Emily Anderson plays tough defense against New Canaan (John Ferris Robben photo)

It had been over three weeks since the reigning CIAC Class LL runner-up Lady Cardinals had returned home from a lengthy business trip.

Since their season-opening loss to New Fairfield, Greenwich has taken their talents on the road to Fairfield Warde, Darien and North Haven, and even taking on Platt of the Central Connecticut Conference in four straight away game wins.

Greenwich marched their way through the state tournament competition last year in an impressive postseason run, but eventually fell to Stamford High in the title game.

While growing pains may have been felt early on in the season, the Cardinals seem to be clicking on both offense and defense, even after losing a pair of seniors who were among the best guards and centers in the FCIAC last year.

“There is no making it up,” said GHS head coach Chrys Hernandez of her departed seniors Caroline Benneville and Abby Wolf. “Those are two great players we were very lucky to have for four years. They definately put the team on their back to get us where we got to last year. But having so many players that have played with them and under them, I think it can instill that work ethic a little bit.”

This year, the group of four senior captains hope for a return to the postseason and are encouraged by their latest string of wins.

Greenwich's Emily Anderson attempts a free throw in Tuesday's game against New Canaan (John Ferris Robben photo)
Greenwich’s Emily Anderson attempts a free throw in Tuesday’s game against New Canaan (John Ferris Robben photo)

“After that first loss, we definately brought it back together,” said senior captain Emily Anderson. “We wanted to bring everyone up and start playing together.”

Anderson scored a team-high 19 points in the latest victory over New Canaan, as she’s adjusting to her role in the paint moreso with the departure of Wolf to Northwestern University.

“I definately miss Abby being there,” said Anderson. “The high-low game we used to have was great. It’s definately nice to have the guards being able to pass me the ball inside.”

Jayla Faison, a captain and senior guard, will see time running the offense in a high-tempo style of play. Captain and senior forward Shaye Galletta will be equally important on the defensive side of the ball as much as her versatile play on offense. Senior captain Amanda Yu will see an important role of perimeter defending and making plays in a trapping style of defense.

Junior Kimberly Kockenmeister will be relied on as a consistent scoring threat and Julia Conforti will see time at guard spots with the up-tempo style of play.

“We have the athletes and we have the quickness and speed,” said Hernandez. “We have the ball handlers so we want to get out there and push it.”

While Hernandez is pleased with the current win streak, she also emphasized consistency. As her team has gotten out to plenty of fast starts and high-paced first quarters this season, she also declared the third quarter as her team’s achilles heel.

“We have to be able to put together four quarters,” said Hernandez. “Our goal is to score 12 points a quarter.”

While on average her team has been hitting consistently over 50 points a game in their last five wins, she says the strides have come in peaks and valleys. Her point was illustrated with the contrast of the team’s fast-paced start with New Canaan’s 13-0 run to start the second half.

“Right now, we’re looking to be consistent,” she said.

For Anderson, stepping into the heightened role starts on the defensive front, with the team making the most of their outlet passes to guards already in transition up the court. These break starters hope to serve as another key to a successful postseason run.

“Our defense brings out our offense,” said Anderson. “Stopping them on defense translates to a good offense. Having the FCIAC and State championship in the back of our head, we have big goals to get back there at the end of the season.”

After hosting Brien McMahon on Friday, the Cardinals will play Fairfield Ludlowe next Tuesday on the road and will follow that up with a home date against St. Joseph on Friday, January 13.

Amanda Yu drives down the lane during Tuesday's game (John Ferris Robben photo)
Amanda Yu drives down the lane during Tuesday’s game (John Ferris Robben photo)
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