WOODSTOCK – Division III Woodstock flexed its muscles against the Twinfield-Cabot girls basketball team last week in what was both team’s season opener.
Paula Cortijo-Martin led all scorers with 22 points as Woodstock doubled up Twinfield-Cabot 54-27 at home on Friday night. The Lady Wasps struggled to navigate a rugged Division III southern schedule last season with just four wins, but may have some new answers to the test this season behind their talented freshman.
“Cortijo-Martin is going to be a great player, her game elevates her teammates and she commands a lot of attention,” said head coach Jack Whalen.
Junior Khloi Bruso complemented with 17 points and helped apply relentless defensive pressure in the backcourt to Whalen’s young guards. Chloe North picked up right where she left off after a strong sophomore season for Twinfield-Cabot with a team-high 16 points in the loss.
“We had a hard time getting our offense going against their half court defensive pressure. Overall, they were a strong shooting team,” said Whalen.
After two highly successful seasons resurrecting the Lady Trojan program with playoff wins in back-to-back seasons, Whalen is rebuilding with youth in his third year at the helm. North will be the focal point of the offense, supported by the experience of juniors Sarah Austin, Finley Washburn and Birtu Lindert-Boyes. Teagan Trader is the only senior on the roster. Cabot freshmen Lily Monaco, Addie Goodrich and Nora Churchill round out the roster for Whalen and will have to develop quickly as they navigate challenges of a tough Mtn. League schedule.
“Defensively we did a lot of things really well. There are a lot of good things to take away from a tough first game on the road. We’ll have to continue to adjust and develop as our opponents key on Chloe. We’ll continue to put in the work and definitely have a lot to improve on,” said Whalen.
Twinfield-Cabot traveled to Winooski on Tuesday to open up Mountain League play and will welcome Mid-Vermont Christian to town on Thursday for their home opener. Winooski is scheduled to travel to Marshfield next Tuesday to complete the home and home series between the two teams.
