Stifling defense got the job done for the Turners Falls girls basketball team on Friday against Mohawk Trail. 

The Thunder held the Warriors to just five points in the first half and shut Mohawk Trail out in the third quarter to come away with a 55-17 Franklin County League South victory in Buckland. 

“It’s a good win for us,” Turners coach Jim Cadran said. “We’re finally getting healthy. Both teams played hard tonight.” 

Lily Spera had a big night for the Thunder, finishing with a game-high 20 points. 10 of those points came in the first half, helping Turners build a 31-5 halftime lead. 

Taylor Greene joined Spera in double-figures with 10 points while Keira Richardson-Meatty and Madi Liimatainen each tallied six points in the victory. Tatianna Williams-Carr and Steph Peterson each added four points for Turners. 

Mohawk Trail found its offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points in the frame. Rachel Pease led the way with seven points while Grace Davenport had four points and Natalie Lanoue, Bella Pettengill and Riley Giard each had two points in the defeat. 

Franklin Tech 33, Putnam 28 — With seven seconds left in the game, Eagle Kendra Campbell went to the line and sank two free throws to put Franklin Tech ahead 33-28, a score that held until the final whistle as the Eagles grinded out a FCL South victory in Springfield Friday to remain unbeaten on the season. 

Lea Chapman scored 10 points in the win, with Campbell and Kaitlin Trudeau each adding nine points. Kyra Goodell scored five points for Tech.  

Palmer 51, Frontier 44 — In a showdown betweeen two Franklin County North contenders, it was Panther Jayda Pardo who went off for 21 points to lift Palmer to a victory over the visiting Redhawks Friday. 

Delaney Fifield poured in 14 points for Frontier. Maddison McKemmie added 11 points, Kylie Laford scored nine points and Hailey Hutkoski chipped in five points in the loss. 

Southwick 46, Greenfield 19 — Behind 13 points from Brielle Ensign, the Rams picked up a victory over the visiting Green Wave on Friday. 

Carly Blanchard scored six points for Greenfield, with Amber Bergeron tallying five points, Tayler Bergeron scoring four points and Elderina Cecunjanin and Lillia Kachelmeyer each adding two points in the loss. 

Easthampton 61, Pioneer 31 — The Panthers kept it tight through the half — trailing 19-14 at the break — but the Eagle offense came to life in the final 16 minutes of action, scoring 22 points in the third quarter and tacking on 20 in the fourth to pull away with a win over Pioneer Friday. 

Addie Harrington finished with a team-high 12 points for the Panthers. Kyler McClelland scored nine points, Laura Kahler tallied five points, Sofia Walker scored three points and Hailey Ring finished with two points in the defeat. 

Swimming

Sophia McComb took first in the 200 free (two minutes, 35 seconds) and 100 back (1:14) while Sylvie DiBartolomeo won the 200 IM (2:58) and 100 free (1:12) to lift the Turners Falls girls swim team to a 58-14 win over Renaissance on Friday in Turners. 

Avery Heathwaite won the 50 free (29.59) and 100 fly (1:34) while Addy Wood took first in the 500 free (8:19) and Adelaide Ehle won the 100 breast (1:40) in the victory. 

The Thunder boys fell to Renaissance, 43-40. Nik Martin took first in the 50 free (25:32) while Liam Bliss won the 100 free (1:01) and 100 back (1:15) and Cody McDonough took first in the 100 breast (1:32) in the defeat. 

Preps

The Deerfield Academy boys basketball team started 2023 on a high note, defeating Avon Old Farms 67-65 in its first game of the New Year. 

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