TOWNSEND — The Townsend girls have finished the regular season 18-0.
The offense stalled in the second half, but the Bulldogs’ defense picked up the intensity, leading Townsend to a 42-35 win over Jefferson.
On a night when Townsend’s seniors were honored, it was the senior star that carried the Bulldogs. Tavia Rooney scored 13 of her 14 points in the first half to push Townsend to a 24-12 advantage at the break.
The Panthers’ offense came alive in the third quarter, scoring 13 points and cutting the deficit to eight entering the final period. But as the offense sputtered, the defense swarmed. Rooney amassed a handful of blocked shots and steals in the second half to keep Jefferson at bay.
Although Townsend made just 5 of its 14 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter, the suffocating defense kept the Bulldogs unbeaten. Rooney’s 14 lead Townsend. Peyton Vogl was the only other Bulldog in double figures with 11.
In the nightcap, the Townsend boys jumped out to a 14-8 advantage after the first quarter thanks to a trio of triples. The Bulldogs’ lead grew to 28-17 at halftime, and Jefferson wasn’t able to close the gap. Townsend completed the sweep of Jefferson with a 54-42 win.
