Lady Falcons pound Ramblers in opener

RUMFORD -- It was certainly a good beginning for the Mountain Valley girls' basketball team, who came together at the right time and it showed a different look that hopefully bodes well for the future.

Darbi Brown and Mackenzie Gallant were the high scorers with 12 and 10 points as the Lady Falcons started fast and didn't let up in a season-opening 68-20 win against Winthrop at Puiia Gymnasium.

The Falcons played its entire roster and everyone had an opportunity to contribute. Mountain Valley has a completely look after having to replace four starters. “I'm not afraid to use anyone,” said MV coach Tammy Gallant. “The starting positions are not set and the players know it. They all want to be a starter.”

Mountain Valley made things happen right off by scoring 17 of the first 19 points of the first quarter. It was the defense that made an impact because a majority of baskets resulted from Winthrop turnovers.

Three straight steals by Brooke Dolloff, M. Galant and Darbi Brown ended with baskets; Jena Plourde grabbed a rebound and passed to Katie Puiia for a hoop.

“I thought the team played well for our season opener,” said M. Gallant, who added six rebounds. "Once we got things going, our trapping defense took over and led to some easy baskets. I'm proud of the team performance and we have a lot of depth."

On the other end, Winthrop was seeking to regain respect after takings its lumps in the Mountain Valley Conference. The Ramblers return four starters from a winless campaign and the point guard is out with mononucleosis.

Mountain Valley forced 57 turnovers, had 21 steals and allowed two field goals over the final three quarters. The Falcons feature twin towers with Dolloff (seven points, six steals) and Addy Gorham (eight points). Darbi Brown (nine assists) opened the second quarter with three straight baskets.

The first was a fastbreak layup, then off a Brenna Brown assist and a Dolloff steal. A basket by Kaitlyn Virgin (seven points) gave MV a 36-13 lead at halftime. Virgin buried the lone three pointer at the final buzzer.

The Falcons shot 45 percent, however, the uptempo play accounted for 22 turnovers and 24 fouls in the first half.

Shannon Laubauskas had six assists and Nicole Couch added five points.