WEST MILFORD – The Lady Highlanders broke its three-game losing streak with a big home win against Passaic Valley on Thursday night, beating the Hornets 55-43.
“It was one of our better offensive games this season and the second time we have had three players in double figures in one game,” said head coach Ray LaCroix.
Those players were junior Ashley Jacobs, sophomore Rory McCormick, and freshman Rachel Chandler. Jacobs led the way with 19 points, nine rebounds, one steal, and a block.
McCormick wasn’t far behind with 17 points, including five three-pointers, along with nine rebounds and a steal of her own.
Chandler had her first career double-double for the game with her 11 points and team-high 10 assists.
It was a big victory for the Lady Highlanders, as the team hadn’t won a game since its Jan. 26 contest against Pompton Lakes, but it was far from an easy win.
The game was tied at the half before West Milford was able to come out of the locker room strong in the third, outscoring Passaic Valley 18-5 in the quarter.
The Hornets were never able to recover.
The Lady Highlanders (6-13) are scheduled to play Bergen Tech next at home, followed by four road games, and then it’s onto the opening round of the State Tournament.
“Making the States this year was a big goal for us with such a young team,” said coach LaCroix. “This is the 7th year in a row the girls have qualified for States.”