RallyNorth.net

Saab, Stoodley power Blue Devils

Thursday, February, 28 By James Healey
Staff writer

If there were any nerves in the Salem locker room before its first-round Class L tourney game with Alvirne, they were extinguished right after tip-off.

The Blue Devils (14-5 Class L) showed Alvirne the door, 54-40. Starting the game on a 12-0 run, Salem sent a strong message to the rest of Class L. Salem limited the Broncos to just two points in the first period.

Alvirne did mount a small comeback late in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to eight, but Salem pulled away with strong performances by Amanda Saab (16 points) and Danielle Stoodley (11 points) when it counted.

"Danielle is a warrior for us," said coach Liz Briggs. "She did some really good things and kept the pressure on that we asked her to."

Everybody performed well for the Blue Devils including surprise starter Nora Galvin.

"I was excited when I heard she was going to start today," said Michaela Galvin, her older sister. "We have always played together and this year she didn't start with me. I know where she is going to be when I pass the ball. On defense we communicate with each other well."

While Salem was wrapping up their win, Londonderry (15-4 Class L) downed Dover, setting up a rematch from the early January thriller, when Londonderry squeaked by Salem on the last play of the game.

"It was a painful way to lose the way we did," said Briggs. "We'll be ready to avenge that loss. It will be a battle." The quarterfinal game is Sunday at Southern New Hampshire University.