UTICA – A rematch for the title of this years Juggler Classic – Norwich girls varsity basketball team was pitted against rival Seton Catholic Central – as the two squads advanced to the finals game of which was played on Sunday.

With Seton previously emerging triumphant in their previous game by a score of 70-50 – Norwich was looking to rebound for the championship win, where they eventually fell flat against the Saints losing by a score of 77-58.

“We have just had trouble stopping their runs. We need to do a better job finding shooters in transition and making them earn scores,” said Norwich head coach Josh Bennett following the team championship loss. “They (Seton) are doing a good job of making runs when they need them.”

Norwich advanced off a win on Saturday, Jan. 14, over host Utica-Notre Dame by a score of 60-53; while Seton advanced following their Saturday win over South Jefferson by a score of 57-39.

Leading Norwich in the Saturday matchup was Makenzie Maynard who battled her way to a game high 24 points, while going 6-8 from the line. Norwich effectively took the halftime lead at 29-26, before holding the lead into the second half where they could outscore Utica-Notre Dame 31-27 for the first round win at 60-53.

Leading Norwich in the championship game Meghan Komendarek on the offensive end as she netted 14 points in her efforts. Following Komendarek in scoring in the loss was Kate Dowdall who notched up her game to see a 12 point effort.

Down big after the first period, Norwich trailed the Saints 18-9, as a slow start snowballed into the loss later loss. Norwich did answer with a solid second period of scoring, gashing Seton for 20 points for the 37-29 halftime score.

The momentum that Norwich carried into the locker room at the half seemed to dissipate in the third as the strong Seton team held Norwich to a mere seven points in the third – essentially claiming the championship win.

Next up for Norwich (8-3 overall) following their championship loss, they will next see action on the road against Chenango Forks on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7:15 p.m.

“Our team has grown a lot in those two losses. We are not far from being a team that is going to really turn heads,” said coach Bennett. “Our coaching staff right now is just hoping we can continue to peak, and become a team that is very scary come sectionals.”

N: 9 20 7 19– 58

S: 18 19 24 17– 77