Putnam Valley Girls Open Season With Loss to Jay

PUTNAM VALLEY—The Putnam Valley High girls basketball team had their first game of the season Monday. They visited John Jay East Fishkill and lost, 59-45.

Putnam Valley only returns two starters from a team that made it to the quarterfinals in sectionals last season. Both of them are sophomores, so coach Kelly Thompson knows they have some growing to do. “We’ve got a lot to work on,” said Thompson. “But I also saw some things we can do well.”

A bad first quarter left the Tigers down by 10 early. The second quarter was better but Put Valley still had a 13 point deficit to overcome at the half.

“The game was closer than the score,” said Thompson. “It was a good game until the fourth quarter, we just couldn’t get over the hump in the end.”

After an even third quarter, John Jay outscored PV, 20-9, in the fourth to cruise to victory.

Brittany Cuollo led John Jay in scoring with 17, Carly Hirt added 16. Dana Tatnell and Carey Berry each had 14 points for Putnam Valley, Ashley Marks had five points and pulled down nine rebounds in the loss.

“I’m proud they played hard and never gave up,” said Thompson. “We’re not happy with losing, but we’re also not discouraged.”

Putnam Valley will face George F. Baker today (Thursday) in the Beacon Tournament at Beacon High School.