The Manchester Essex Girls Basketball season came to an end Monday night, February 24 in the first round of the MIAA Division 3 State Tournament. The 9th seeded Hornets traveled to Austin Prep, the 8th seed, to fight for the chance to advance to the next round. Austin Prep took an early 13-10 lead after one quarter and were able to maintain the edge throughout, gaining a lead by as many as 14 points before the Hornets battled back to within 3 late in the game. Austin Prep responded with big buckets each time the Hornets made a run and held on to win 69-58. The Hornets battled until the final horn sounded and have a lot to be proud of this season. Senior Captain Emily Jacobsen led the Hornets offense, as she has all season, with 23 points, including 4 from behind the arc, and 11 rebounds. Jacobsen finished the season with a Hornet season record of 70 three-point baskets. Senior Sophia Pomeroy, in one of the best games of her career, added 10 points. Pomeroy was a spark for the team, diving for loose balls and forcing many jump balls. Senior Captain Bridget Twombly added 6 points and 8 rebounds. Junior Lily Athanas had 9 points and 4 assists, junior GG Huet had 7 points and junior Madeline Lai added 3. Senior Madeline Donnellan Valade gave a solid defensive effort late in the game. The Hornets will graduate 4 dedicated and talented seniors from the program this year: Jacobsen, Twombly, Pomeroy and Donnellan.
