Fairfield girls fall in season opener

Delaney Breen goes up for a layup in the first quarter of Fairfield’s loss to Oskaloosa on Tuesday. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)

FAIRFIELD -- The Fairfield girls basketball team was defeated by Oskaloosa in its first game of the season, 59-55.

The Trojans have an experienced upperclassman filled roster this season, with seven seniors, one junior, and just two sophomores.

Struggles from the foul line, turnovers, all while being berated with threes was the difference-maker for Fairfield.

“The difference in the game was free throws,” head coach Patrick Pacha said. “We got to the line. I thought we were aggressive and attack them, but didn’t make free throws. We spend an exorbitant amount of time on them every day. Tonight wasn’t the night. We had 19 turnovers. We’re a senior led team, and we gotta take better care of the ball than that.”

The Trojans couldn’t have asked for a better start to the contest. Following the first basket of the game from the Indians, the Trojans went on to score 12 unanswered points, leading 12-2.

Despite the stellar start, Fairfield would not score again, as they struggled for the rest of the first quarter.

The Indians fought back, going on an 8-0 run of their own, which included a three with two seconds to made the score 12-10.

Oskaloosa kept their momentum going into the second quarter, as they hit three three pointers within the first two minutes of the quarter to both take and extend their lead.

Fairfield would not see the lead again until the fourth quarter. At the end of the second quarter, Fairfield trailed 27-23.

Fairfield kept the game close throughout, but Oskaloosa almost always had an answer with the three ball.

Danielle Breen goes up for a layup in traffic in Fairfield’s opening night loss to Oskaloosa. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)

The Trojans tied the game up with at the 3:50 mark in the third, but Oskaloosa clapped back with two back-to-back threes. Fairfield trailed 42-36 at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was a back and forth battle with both teams exchanging leads.

With just under 4:50 left in the game, the Trojans found themselves with their biggest lead since the first half, leading 50-47.

It didn’t last long as the another three from the Indians tied the game again. Fairfield would not see the lead again.

With under a minute left in the game, the Trojans found themselves down 57-55. With three possessions and a chance to tie the game they couldn’t find a basket. Oskaloosa hit two free throws to seal the Trojan’s defeat.

Fairfield was led in scoring by Delaney Breen. Breen scored 20 points. Her sister, Danielle Breen added 15.

Brynley Allison finished with eight. Mallory Lyon chipped in 5. Kelsey Pacha ended with 4 and Anna Dunlap scored 3.

Kelsey Pacha takes a free throw in Tuesday nights contest. The Trojans struggled from the line in the contest. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)

Despite the loss, Pacha says he’s excited to be back on the court again especially after last year.

“To have everybody back, have people in the gym, the crowd, a great student body, the pep band, that’s what high school basketball’s about,” he said. “That’s the fun part. That’s why kids want to play. For that part I’m thankful. You got to play like it might be your last.”

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com