Dotsey helps Haverford stay unbeaten

SPRINGFIELD — Perhaps it’s fitting that Haverford students are taking exams this week. The girls basketball team is in the middle of its most difficult stretch on the schedule.

It’s crunch time.

To make matters more interesting, the Fords began the week as the only undefeated team in Delaware County and District 1 Class 6A.

The Fords passed their first test with a win over a 14-win Abington team Sunday at the Maggie Lucas Classic. Tuesday night marked the first of two contests this week against the second-place squads in the Central League. Before they could worry about their rematch with Conestoga, the Fords had to face the Cougars, who suffered their first conference loss of the season at ‘Stoga last week.

“I think it’s important to play the really competitive teams, especially where we’re so close as a team,” senior forward Caroline Dotsey said. “At this point in the season we all know how each other plays and we have really good team chemistry. To have that carry over into the really competitive part of the schedule is huge for us and it makes a difference.”

Dotsey once again powered her team to victory, scoring a game-high 24 points en route to a 55-38 decision. The senior forward and Maine recruit shot 8 of 14 from the floor and 7 of 10 at the free-throw line. She added six rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocked shots.

“I think our defensive possessions were really important and I think that’s what kept us in the game,” Dotsey said. “We kind of fell into a lull offensively, so we really focused on our defense and getting our energy and the urgency to push the ball.”

The Fords (17-0) led the entire way. Haverford’s three 6-foot-plus forwards – Caroline Dotsey, Rian Dotsey and Mollie Carpenter – controlled the paint and dominated the boards. Springfield struggled to make low-and high-percentage shots all night, shooting 23.9 percent (11 of 46) from the floor. While Haverford committed 14 turnovers, Springfield failed to take advantage.

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