Fri Feb 28 01:50:00 UTC 2025: **Westerly Bulldogs Upset Defending Champions in RIIL Girls Basketball Quarterfinals**
WESTERLY, RI – The Westerly Bulldogs girls varsity basketball team pulled off a stunning upset victory Friday night, defeating the defending state champion Moses Brown Quakers 52-35 in the RIIL Division I quarterfinals. The win propels Westerly to their first semifinal appearance since 2013.
The Bulldogs employed a tenacious defensive strategy, effectively neutralizing Moses Brown’s star player, junior Lauren Bousquet. Bousquet, considered one of the state’s best, fouled out early in the fourth quarter, significantly impacting the Quakers’ offense. Westerly’s defensive effort involved double-teaming Bousquet and forcing her into difficult shots.
Freshman Ella Reyes led the Westerly offensive charge with an impressive 25 points, along with 11 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. A key 9-0 run in the fourth quarter, fueled by Reyes’ offensive putback and a three-pointer, extended Westerly’s lead to double digits. Danica Jarrett contributed eight points, and Madison Pellegrino added seven points and 10 rebounds. The team’s strong rebounding performance saw four players securing seven or more rebounds.
Westerly outscored Moses Brown 21-5 in the decisive fourth quarter, sealing their victory. The Bulldogs’ coach, Mike Reyes, praised his team’s effort and execution, particularly their ability to maintain their game plan under pressure.
Westerly will now face the top-seeded North Kingstown Skippers in the semifinals on Friday at 6 p.m. at Rhode Island College. The other semifinal matchup features Barrington and Ponaganset. The championship game is scheduled for March 4th at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence.
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