Playoff loss wraps up Lakers' record setting season
Lakers player Elyza Wagner rushes towards the opponent's hoop during a Final Four state playoff game on Monday, March 9. Photos by Sam Tucker
Senior Laker Cece Levrault gives the defense a run for their money.
The March 9 game was played at Worcester State University, and plenty of Lakers fans showed up in support.
Lakers player Jillian Gagnier keeps an opponent at bay while working down the sideline.
Laker Kathleen Suneson winds up for a pass.
The Lakers ready the defense.
Hannah Kuriscak gets the Lakers offense on the move.
Lakers player Kyla Claro weaves through the defense. Head Coach Trevor Gagnier said the team handled the pressure well, but Pittsfield "snowballed" into the win in the later quarters.
The team huddles up during a timeout. Monday's game was the second time ever the girls basketball team has made it into the Final Four of the state playoffs.
Until the final buzzer, the Lakers' fans made sure the players knew they were there for support.
Lakers player Elyza Wagner rushes towards the opponent's hoop during a Final Four state playoff game on Monday, March 9. Photos by Sam Tucker
Senior Laker Cece Levrault gives the defense a run for their money.
The March 9 game was played at Worcester State University, and plenty of Lakers fans showed up in support.
Lakers player Jillian Gagnier keeps an opponent at bay while working down the sideline.
Laker Kathleen Suneson winds up for a pass.
The Lakers ready the defense.
Hannah Kuriscak gets the Lakers offense on the move.
Lakers player Kyla Claro weaves through the defense. Head Coach Trevor Gagnier said the team handled the pressure well, but Pittsfield "snowballed" into the win in the later quarters.
The team huddles up during a timeout. Monday's game was the second time ever the girls basketball team has made it into the Final Four of the state playoffs.
Until the final buzzer, the Lakers' fans made sure the players knew they were there for support.
LAKEVILLE — The Apponequet girls basketball team's historic playoff run and near spotless season has come to a close after a loss against Pittsfield High School in the state playoffs.
Under the bright lights of the large gymnasium at Worcester State University, the Lakers fought for control on the court but Pittsfield took the 56 - 26 win. Head Coach Trevor Gagnier said after a strong season, the team is keeping their “heads high.”
The last time the Lakers made it to the Final Four of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament was in 1999.
“After about 27 years and then getting here — it's been a lot of fun,” Gagnier said.
As senior players finished their final season, he said it’s been a great experience to coach a handful of players since they were freshman.
“It’s like I want to hit that reset button and do it again because it's such a special and fun group,” he said. “It's just been a great ride.”
This season, seniors Cece Levrault and Hannah Kuriscak broke records by becoming the first two Lakers in the same grade to score 1,000 career points in Apponequet’s history.
Gagnier said he knew he had a strong squad at the beginning of the season. Younger and returning athletes on the team like freshman Kyla Claro and sophomores Elyza Wagner and Jillian Gagnier made their mark on the winning record.
“They played varsity last year as freshmen, but they were more valuable in terms of minutes played this year,” Gagnier said. “They had a great year.”
Kathleen Suneson, who dealt with injuries this season, and her sister Megan also added some "terrific" team work to the court, he said.
“You can't get to a Final Four unless you have a special team,” he said.
As to the keys behind the Lakers' near spotless regular season of 21 wins and 1 loss, Gagnier said the player’s focus at practice, humble mindsets after wins and the drive to keep improving were major assets this season.
During the March 9 game, the Lakers fought to close the roughly 10 point gap through the first two quarters, but Pittsfield held their lead. Through the last minutes of the game, a loud and roaring Apponequet student section and fans made their support ring through the gymnasium.
Gagnier said the team handled the strong pressure from Pittsfield well, but by the third quarter Pittsfield started to “snowball” into the lead.
“We’ll keep our heads up, this is a great playoff run,” Gagnier said.
Throughout their run, he said the team has been enjoying the process between their practices and studying game-films.
Whether it was the joyous moments when fans rushed the court after the win over Pembroke last week, or the team bus rides on their way to play fresh opponents — it's been a special season, Gagnier said.
“We'll cherish this moment,” he said.
Although no opponent, practice or playoff game was the same, one thing remained consistent for the Lakers all season.
“We compete, enjoy our time together and leave it all on the floor,” Gagnier said. “That's what we did today.”
