Fairfield’s girls basketball team authored a thrilling 45-44 victory over Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, February 3rd, claiming their first conference home win since defeating Burlington 52-11 on January 11th, 2022. The dramatic one-point triumph, sealed by a Maddy Martin free throw with 38 seconds remaining and secured by a defensive stand in the final seconds, marked a significant milestone for a program that has endured considerable adversity.
Game Summary
Fairfield jumped out to a strong start in the first quarter, one of their best quarters of the season. Faith Jones and Vanessa Kessel each hit three-pointers to give the Trojans an early 6-1 lead. Fairfield’s advantage grew to double digits at 18-7 with 2:22 remaining in the opening period before settling for an 18-11 lead after one quarter.
The Trojans extended their lead to 25-16 in the second quarter, but Mount Pleasant responded with a run to cut the deficit to just three points at halftime, 28-25. The first half featured a stark contrast in free-throw attempts—Fairfield took just three free throws (making all three), while Mount Pleasant attempted 19 (making 12) after reaching the bonus in both quarters. Fairfield’s Lauren Martin and Elyse Setterstrom each picked up three fouls in the first half, creating foul trouble that would factor into the second half.
Mount Pleasant tied the game at 31 early in the third quarter while reaching the bonus once more (going 2-of-4 from the line), but Fairfield held a slim 40-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Dramatic Fourth Quarter
The final period featured multiple lead changes and defensive stops on both ends. Mount Pleasant tied the game at 40 on their first possession with 7:26 remaining. Kessel answered with a three-pointer to reclaim the lead at 43-40 with 5:50 left. After free throws by both teams, Fairfield led 44-41 before Mount Pleasant made another to cut it to 44-42 with 3:33 remaining. The Panthers tied it at 44 with three minutes left, setting up a tense final sequence.
Mount Pleasant’s Kynlee White missed both free throws in a tie game at 44-44 with 43 seconds left, giving Fairfield possession. On the ensuing possession, Martin was fouled and converted her crucial free throw.
Maddy Martin, after missing her first two free throws of the quarter, went to the line for Fairfield after they reached the bonus for the first time in the game. She missed her third attempt but made her fourth to give Fairfield a 45-44 lead with 38 seconds remaining—what would prove to be the game-winning point.
Final Possession Drama
With 19 seconds remaining and trailing 45-44, Mount Pleasant’s Lydolph missed a three-pointer that went out of bounds off a Panther player. Fairfield broke the Mount Pleasant press and passed inside to Setterstrom with 11 seconds left, but the ball was deflected by a Panther defender. As Fairfield inbounded from their own baseline to Setterstrom, her shot missed and the loose ball resulted in a jump ball with possession going to Mount Pleasant.
The Panthers inbounded and crossed half court before calling timeout with two seconds left. Fairfield matched the timeout. On the final play, Mount Pleasant’s Shelangoski inbounded from the sideline in front of their bench to Paityn Ensminger, who was defended by Fairfield’s Emma Metcalf. Ensminger drove right to the baseline and released a mid-range jumper that fell through the basket. However, officials ruled she had traveled before taking the shot, nullifying the basket.
Fairfield threw the ball to half court as the final second expired, securing the dramatic 45-44 victory. The Trojans didn’t allow a point in the final three minutes and benefited from Mount Pleasant’s missed free throws in the clutch. Despite being outscored 7-5 in the fourth quarter, Fairfield locked in defensively when it mattered most.
Individual Performances
Faith Jones led Fairfield with 14 points, scoring 11 in the first half and opening both halves with three-pointers to ignite the Trojan offense. She also grabbed four rebounds. Emma Metcalf and Vanessa Kessel each contributed eight points, with Kessel adding two steals and the crucial fourth-quarter three-pointer. Maddy Martin finished with seven points and four rebounds, including the game-winning free throw despite earlier struggles at the line. Lauren Martin added three points and one assist, Anna McAvan chipped in three points, and Lenora Felt contributed two points, two assists, two steals, and four rebounds.
Fairfield converted 7-of-11 free throws (63.6%), while Mount Pleasant made 16-of-29 (55.2%). Mount Pleasant was led by Abby Carthey with 18 points.
Historical Significance
The victory completed a season sweep of Mount Pleasant, marking the first time Fairfield has swept the Panthers since the 2018-19 season when they defeated them 51-47 on November 30th, 2018, and 62-43 on January 11th, 2019. Fairfield had previously defeated Mount Pleasant 47-43 on January 9th earlier this season.
Coaches’ Comments
Fairfield Girls Basketball Head Coach Brian Witzenburg praised his team’s effort and highlighted the significance of the victory. “I thought the girls played hard and played together throughout the whole game, overcoming some foul troubles. It was a big win for our girls basketball program—first conference home win in four years,” Witzenburg said.
Assistant Coach Travis Dunkin provided extensive commentary on the game and its meaning for the program.
“I thought we played a very solid game from start to finish. The girls came out in the first quarter with great energy and focus, and our ball movement was excellent early on. I thought we shot the ball well. Faith came out swinging and hitting a couple threes was huge. Their play in the first quarter set the tone for the game,” Dunkin said.
Dunkin emphasized the emotional significance of the victory given recent events. “I couldn’t be happier for this group. This was the first conference win at home in four years, and to accomplish that with everything they’ve had on their minds recently was truly remarkable. I’m so proud of their effort, attitude, and resilience,” he explained.
He acknowledged the challenges the program has faced. “This varsity group has been through a lot, not just in the past few weeks, but over the last few years as well, including having three head coaches in three seasons. That’s a lot for any team to handle. They’ve continued to work hard and stay committed, and I’m so happy they were able to get this win at home. These are a great group of players, and I’m grateful to be a part of this team and coaching staff,” Dunkin said.
Regarding Martin’s game-winning free throw, Dunkin noted her resilience. “I’m sure it meant a lot to her. She had missed her first three free throws in the fourth quarter, but the way she stayed focused and stepped up to make the next one shows the kind of competitor and leader she is,” he said.
On overcoming foul trouble, Dunkin explained the defensive adjustments. “We had to stop fouling,” he said. “All of us coaches were reminding the girls to keep moving their feet and avoid reaching or lunging at the ball. We emphasized beating the offensive player to the spot and playing solid, disciplined defense.”
Season Implications
Fairfield improves to 4-13 overall and 2-7 in conference play. The Trojans now have as many wins as the previous two seasons combined and will finish locked in at fifth place in the conference—their best conference standing since the 2021-22 season when they finished third.
Mount Pleasant drops to 3-15 overall and 0-9 in conference play, guaranteeing they will finish last in the conference standings.
Looking Ahead
Fairfield’s next action comes Friday, February 6th, when they host Burlington for their final home conference game of the season. The Trojans will look to build on this momentum as they close out the regular season.
