Bartlett knocks off York to inch above .500

Behind a versatile attack, the Bartlett girls basketball team took a comfortable 33-22 lead into the second half of nonconference action against York Tuesday night.

Enter Courtney Owens for the Dukes.

After sitting the first half for missing practice, Owens stepped in with 8 third-quarter points and 4 rebounds, helping the Dukes to their first lead of the night at 39-38 following a 15-2 run.

Despite the surge, the Hawks prevailed, earning a 60-48 nonconference victory behind late defensive pressure, rebounding and continued scoring.

Down 39-38, freshman guard Ashley Santos connected from outside to put the Hawks back on top at 40-39. Finishing with 14 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals, Santos scored 8 points in the fourth quarter as Bartlett outscored York 22-11 en route to the win.

"Ashley made some big baskets for us on a few nice drives," said Bartlett coach Denise Sarna. "She gave a great all-around performance."

Feeling pressure, the Hawks went to a full-court press with 6 minutes left to play and back-to-back turnovers led to four quick points, including a pair from the foul line for Sam Salinas (8 points) and a bucket from Santos.

"We had some good defensive surges and our rebounding was solid," said Sarna.

Outrebounding the Dukes 45-36, the two teams were even at the break.

Jacki Gulczynski led Bartlett's efforts on the boards, collecting a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

"It was a tough game inside," said Gulczynski. "It was physical, but you have to expect that. Our defensive pressure on the ball made our offense work."

With 15 first-half points, Gulczynski scored numerous times via the putback.

"Jacki played really tough inside and held her ground," Sarna said. "Kristin (Conniff) also had a great game pulling down eight rebounds."

Conniff finished with 9 points for Bartlett (8-7), including a pair of timely baskets late.

While Owens was the catalyst for a second-half comeback, starter Mary Colon led the York offense scoring 13 points. She reached a double-double with 10 rebounds. Owens followed with 12 points and 7 rebounds.

"The kids played extremely hard," said York coach Frank Kaminsky. "I certainly don't question their efforts. "With Courtney out, we lacked height and rebounding was killing us early. She was able to contain Gulczynski for us in the second half."

"Owens is a good quality player," said Gulczyinski. "It was our job to adjust to her entering the game, and I think we did that."

A lot of hustle from Stefanie Matsas (7 points), Angela Bianchi (5 points, 6 rebounds), Amanda Heuser (7 rebounds) and Evan Semmelhack (7 points) kept the Dukes (5-10) alive through three quarters.

"We took a lead and followed that with four bad shots," said Kaminsky. "Because these girls lack experience, we struggle to understand game situations. You can't do that against a team like Bartlett."

Nicole Beck, Becca Croni and Alexa Tovella each added 4 points to the Hawks' offensive attack.

"I feel that we are pretty versatile," said Sarna. "It's a new year, and we're trying to move forward."