Melrose Lady Raiders Basketball

Melrose brought more energy and fewer turnovers tonight, but came up short as the Burlington Red Devils won the Christmas tournament consolation game 54-48.

The Lady Raiders came out quickly led by Senior co-captain Sydney Doherty's seven first quarter points. But Burlington had a scoring weapon of their own in Sarah Hood and the teams were tied at sixteen after the opening frame.

Melrose had averaged only 35 points through four games, but had better ball movement and shot fifty percent for the first period en route to the fast start.

By halftime, the score was even at 25, with seven points for Sydney, six from Brooke Bell with a pair of threes, and five for Kayla Wyland. Freshman Sarah Foote also added a three and Jill MacInnes rebounded effectively as she started and brought her usual intensity.

The third period was the calm before the storm as both teams stiffened defensively and struggled offensively.

The fourth period belonged to Burlington, with superior results from Jazmine Smith, Katie Han, and Hood, as the trio helped Burlington forge a nine point lead which Melrose couldn't overcome. Melrose's early shooting fell off, although Sydney Doherty (12) led Melrose to close within the final six. Unofficially Brooke Bell and Sarah Foote also had eight points and Bell added six assists. Unfortunately, with Kayla and Jill fouling out late, Burlington controlled the boards and ultimately recorded the win.

Melrose falls to 1-4 at the quarter pole of the regular season.