Maybe the worst possible thing for the Cazenovia girls basketball team was the fact that it had to go for a week between games.
In that process, the spark the Lakers had felt in the new year, especially ignited by its home win over previously unbeaten Westhill on Jan. 6, dimmed a bit.
So while Cazenovia was rested going into Friday’s game at Bishop Ludden, it also had a small bit of rust — which may have made the difference in a 42-36 loss to the Gaelic Knights.
Going to Geddes seven days after its narrow escape from Hannibal, the Lakers were trying to avenge a Dec. 1 defeat to the Gaelic Knights at Buckley Gym, and would get all kinds of chances to pull that off.
Cazenovia did achieve one noticeable goal in the rematch, as its defense limited Ludden’s ability to hit 3-point shots, especially in the first half, when both sides battled for baskets. The Lakers only trailed by one, 21-20, going into the break.
Much the same pace presented itself in the third quarter. The only problem was that Cazenovia went cold, only getting five points in that frame and allowing the Gaelic Knights, without a sustained burst of offense, to stretch out its lead to 32-25.
Try as it could, the Lakers could not get it back, even though Raeanne Clabeaux finished with 12 points and Ellen Burr got 11 points. Colleen Dougherty (seven points) and Ashley Stec (five points) were the only other Cazenovia players to hit on field goals.
Meanwhile, Ludden’s Ashley Cianfriglia, a junior who just passed the 1,000-point mark, led both sides with 18 points, including all three of her team’s 3-pointers.
Cazenovia (7-4, 5-4 league) got a crucial home test on Tuesday, against Jordan-Elbridge, and stays at home Thursday to take on Phoenix.