In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday evening in Lincoln, the Mattanawcook Academy Lady Lynx handed the Dexter Tigers their first loss of the season with a nail-biting 39-38 victory. An offensive rebound and putback by Addison Cyr as time expired secured the win, creating a playoff-like atmosphere.
The game showcased a possession-by-possession intensity, with Mattanawcook Academy leading 6-4 after the 1st quarter and maintaining a slim 22-19 lead at the half. Dexter made a strong push in the third quarter, outscoring the Lynx 16-10 led by Abilene Corson and Cally Gudroe who each contributed five points including crucial three-pointers.
The fourth quarter turned into a defensive battle, with the Lady Lynx holding the Tigers to no field goals as Lauren House and the Lynx defense continued to take away driving lanes and shot opportunities. With just under two minutes remaining, Addison Cyr found Navenah De La Cruz for a wide-open three-pointer putting Mattanawcook ahead 38-37. A late game turnover forced by MA led to Dexter fouling on consecutive inbounds plays. With just over 20 seconds remaining Dexter forced a turnover to give them the ball and a chance for the lead. Gudroe attacked baseline and drew the foul, sending her to the line for two shots. Gudroe made both free throws with 13.1 seconds remaining putting the Tigers up 38-37. However the Lady Lynx responded with a strategic push down the court and despite a missed shot, the rebound by Cyr was layed in at the buzzer securing the thrilling 39-38 victory.
Sophomore Megan House led Mattanawcook Academy with 15 points, supported by eight points and 12 rebounds by Cyr. Navenah De La Cruz added 6 points (including two crucial second-half 3-pointers), and Kaitlyn Thornton chipped in four points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
The Tigers were led by Corson with 11 points, showcasing her control of the offensive pace as the teams heady point guard. Hannah Dean contributed 11 points working the paint, while Gudroe had nine points.
From the free throw Mattanawcook went 9-11, while Dexter finished 6-14. With this hard fought win, the Lady Lynx improved to 6-1 positioning themselves strongly in Class C North. The Tigers fall to 4-1 and play at Stearns on Friday. MA also returns to action on Friday and will look to continue their success as they travel to Sumner.
