Hoosac Valley girls 41, Mount Everett 19

Mount Everett's Emma Goewey is defended by Hoosac Valley's Gabby Billetz during the second half of the game against Hoosac on Friday. CAROLINE BONNIVIER SNYDER — THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE

Few teams play pressure defense like the Hoosac girls do. It was unrelenting Friday night.

"It did wear on us," Everett coach Josh King said. "We shot ourselves in the foot a couple of times by not being able to handle that pressure."

While Hoosac led wire-to-wire, the first quarter was close. One of two free throws by Emma Goewey with 36 seconds left cut the Hoosac lead to 13-8. Neither team was successful on a final possession, and that's how the quarter ended.

Hoosac Valley's Taylor Garabedian gets around Mount Everett defender Emily Steuernagle during the second half of the game on Friday. CAROLINE BONNIVIER SNYDER — THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE

Hoosac opened up the second quarter by scoring 14 straight points. Taylor Garabedian got it started when she stole the ball from Everett's Emma Stewart and scored. Garabedian was fouled by Julia Devoti on a drive to the basket and she made the free throw. Twelve of Everett's 14 turnovers in the second quarter were committed during Hoosac's 14-0 run. 

Goewey, who finished with five points and eight rebounds for the Eagles, scored with one second left in the quarter. Those were the only points Everett got in the second.

"I was telling the girls, we were in it. It was [13-8] after the first quarter. In the second quarter, we didn't score. Our only basket came [at the end]," King said. "We just ran out of gas. I think the allure of being at Hoosac Valley kind of shell-shocked the girls a little bit. They're a very physical defensive team. I don't think we've seen that much intensity and that much pressure."

Hoosac coach Holly McGovern said she was pleased with her defense, one that forced 34 turnovers in 32 minutes.

"I think defensively, our team is feeling more comfortable. We have worked really hard, and as I have said all year long, we continue to put an emphasis on it and make sure they understand how to be in position."

Averie McGrath led all scores with 17 points. She also had six rebounds and a pair of steals. Gabby Billetz had a game-high 10 rebounds for the Hurricanes.

Emily Steuernagle had a double-double for Everett, with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Up next for the Hurricanes is a Round of 16 game next week against No. 17 Georgetown. Georgetown beat 16th-seeded Tahanto 53-43.