By Grady Thompson

Sun Sports Contributor

SHERBURNE - Bouncing back from a big loss at Cooperstown to wrap up the regular season last week, the Sherburne-Earlville girls reestablished themselves in the first round of sectional play in a 45-36 win over Cazenovia.

Sherburne-Earlville Head Coach Karen Mulligan said, “Our defense in the fourth quarter was key. We did a good job of limiting Tedesco’s touches and taking away their guard penetration.”

The Lakers were led by junior Danielle Tedesco with 12 points.

The Marauders entered the final quarter of play with a 36-34 lead that would ultimately be enough as they held Cazenovia to just two points in the final eight minutes of play.

Lilly Berg had another big night for Sherburne-Earlville with a game high 15 points and 18 rebounds. Lexi Elderkin sunk a trio of triples in the second half to give the Marauders 9 points, and Savannah Irwin tacked on another 11 to help advance Sherburne-Earlville to the next round of sectionals.

The Marauders, who are the number 5 seed, will travel to number 4 seed Bishop-Ludden on Tuesday, February 16th. “Ludden is a very good team with a dynamic player in Danielle Rauch,” said Coach Mulligan. “This time of year comes down to playing tough defense and having good offensive possessions while being able to make in-game adjustments. It’s one and done, so we have to come ready to play.” Rauch, who is a sophomore for the Gaelic Knights, is averaging upwards of 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Tip-off will begin at 6 o’clock.

Team statistics:

Sherburne-Earlville: Wright 3 2-5-8, Elderkin 3 0-0-9, Furner 1 0-0-2, Irwin 5 0-0-11, Berg 5 5-6-15.