Lady Hawks Host Benefit Tournament, Falter Against Summit

The River Dell Lady Hawks competed against the Summit Hilltoppers on Sunday night for the Autism Speaks Benefit. The Autism Speaks Benefit ‘provides personalized attention to all major gift donors.’

The Lady Hawks, who opened their season with a 38-28 victory over rival Ramsey, faltered in the final minutes, 30-28 and bring their season record to 1-1.

“We’re still a new team so were not working together, but once we get a few games under our belt we’ll be much better,” senior captain Kayla McGovern stated.

The Hilltoppers started the game off strong as Madeline Gramigna (six points) secured the first field goal of the night. But the Lady Hawks fought back as junior Kayleen Melvin (nine points) brought River Dell within one point at the beginning of the second quarter.

McGovern provided the first tie of the game by sinking back-to-back fieldgoals with seconds remaining in the third quarter. Hope crashed for the Lady Hawks as Hilltopper's Gramigna netted a two-point buzzer shot for a close 22-20 lead.

River Dell's Jeana Coppolla carried the lead early in the final period with the only three-pointer of the night for the Lady Hawks. But for a second time, the Hilltopper’s couldn’t tolerate the thought of the Lady Hawks in the lead, and came back taking the lead making it 27-25.

River Dell would again tie the game as junior Jenn Osterlof stole the ball and broke away from the defense. Summit secured their 30-28 win in the final seconds from the foul line.

“We plan to get better every game and work more as a team each day.” McGovern said. “We didn’t execute some of the things we wanted. But it’s only the second game of our season, so it’s still the beginning for us.”

The next round for The Lady Hawks will be on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7pm when the team hosts rival Mahwah.

Editor's Note: Isabella Congemi is a student in the River Dell High School Senior Options Program.