By Paul Vozzella
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
The Raiders wrapped-up their regular season on Friday night with a 52-42 loss to Bellingham. The team finishes with a 2-18 record with a chance to qualify for playoffs based on strength of schedule.
A rough start to the game due to several turnovers and missed shots made it difficult for Dover-Sherborn to keep up with the Blackhawks, but its defensive effort kept the game close.
“We didn't come out with enough energy and effort,” said Head Coach Michael Patti. “They just out-worked us, and it showed… We started to play a little bit more together and started to work a little bit harder and it started to lead to better results. We can't expect to dig ourselves into a hole like that against a good team and expect to come out with a victory.”
The uptick in success was clear in the second period, which saw several forced turnovers and a 4-out-of-7 finish in the first half from behind the three-point line to bring the Raiders within striking distance. Heading into halftime, Dover-Sherborn only trailed by six points.
“I think any time [the team is] getting it inside and then out, that helps,” said Patti on the first half offensive success from long distance. “So I think it was just a product of getting clean looks. We have a number of girls that can knock it down with opportunities like that.”
The third quarter saw Bellingham slowly pull away with the lead, but a couple of sparks from the Raiders got it right back in the game following an 11-3 run. A fast break layup from junior Ruby Fielding to junior Meredith Gibbs forced Bellingham to take a timeout to regather. Gibbs was the biggest contributor for the Raiders, finishing the night with 20 points.
Despite its best effort, Dover-Sherborn was unable to keep the momentum rolling in the fourth quarter. Even with the loss, the Raiders’ improvement is noticeable.
“Talent is talent, but you want a team that's gonna work hard and going to improve, and that's what I think they've done, so credit to them,” said Patti. “Even with the record that we have, it doesn't feel like we're a team that's 2-18. So credit to them and their attitude and effort.”
Now the waiting begins. The Raiders do not automatically qualify for the playoffs but can sneak in by being top 32 in the power rankings. It ranked 25th before the game.
