By Kevin Devlin
On Sunday, March 11, at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, the Gate of Heaven CYO girls’ high school basketball travel team defeated Saint Agatha of Milton, 51-24, to capture the 2018 CYO state championship; successfully defending their 2017 state title.
For Gatey, Jackie Czar was sensational, netting 17 points. Allison McGough had nine points. Lauren Woods and Jacqueline Beggan (two three-pointers) scored eight points apiece. Grace Tinlin had four points while Emily Harris had a three-pointer. Catherine Woods grabbed five rebounds and Rebecca Donovan had four steals.
Members of the championship team are: Julia Casper, Lauren Woods, Allison McGough, Grace Tinlin, Jacqueline Beggan, Rebecca Donovan, Jackie Czar, Catherine Woods, and Emily Harris. The squad is coached by Allison Baker and Brianna Esposito.
Coach Baker was so happy for her players who worked hard throughout the season to achieve their goal. To her it was an overall team performance. They saved their best for the championship tilt.
“I am so proud of this team,” Coach Baker said. “We have come a long way, together. It was an awesome feeling to win the CYO state championship. All of these girls worked so hard during the game. It was the best game they had all season. I am also proud to say that we are back-to-back CYO state champions! As I have said in the past, this is my favorite team to coach.
“I am extremely sad to see the seniors leave,” she added. “…but they are moving on to bigger and better things. We’ve been selected to play in the New England CYO tournament which begins in early April. I am hoping for the best, but either way, we will have another championship banner hanging at the Walsh Center!”
Coach Esposito was also happy for her hoop heroes.
“These girls earned every bit of that championship win,” Coach Esposito said. “They put a lot of time and effort into this season and the outcome was exactly what they deserved. It was a great season and the seniors will be greatly missed.”
