Tottenville High School secured a decisive victory against Murry Bergtraum in a highly anticipated PSAL 4A Conference matchup on January 6, 2024. The Pirates triumphed with a final score of 63-49, showcasing strong performances from key players including Brianna Ardolic and Gabriella Ortiz. Ardolic contributed 18 points, along with seven rebounds and two steals, while Ortiz added 16 points to help propel the team to an impressive 8-0 record in the league and 11-2 overall.
The game, held at Tottenville’s home court, highlighted the competitive nature of both teams. “Murry Bergtraum is a tough team,” remarked Jessica Althoff, head coach of the Pirates. She praised the physicality of both squads, noting their ability to press throughout the game and dominate the boards. The loss marked an 8-2 league record for Bergtraum, who previously fell to unbeaten Thurgood Marshall earlier in the season.
As the game progressed, Tottenville’s offense demonstrated effective teamwork. Players Grace Anderson and Araya Lichtman excelled in breaking the press, facilitating opportunities for Ardolic and Ortiz. Anderson finished the match with a notable contribution of 10 points, six steals, eight rebounds, and six assists. Lichtman also recorded 10 points, five assists, and three steals.
Althoff commended Anderson’s all-around performance, stating, “(Anderson) was all over the court today doing the other stuff we needed her to do.” The coach acknowledged the efforts of both Anderson and Lichtman in pushing the pace and effectively distributing the ball.
Defensively, Tottenville rose to the occasion, successfully containing Bergtraum’s high-scoring offense. Althoff pointed out the need for adjustments throughout the game, stating, “Murry Bergtraum pushed the ball; we needed to make adjustments and other girls stepped up well when we needed them to.” She expressed pride in her team’s resilience and their ability to play cohesively, emphasizing their patience in selecting shots rather than forcing plays that weren’t necessary.
Looking ahead, the Pirates have a busy schedule this week, with their next game against New Dorp set for Tuesday. As Tottenville continues its strong season, the team’s performance against a formidable rival like Bergtraum sets a promising tone for the upcoming challenges.
