Alex Rau | Democrat Sophomore Savannah Reck, playing in her first varsity game, seizes control of the ball for Liberty during the Indians’ season-opening 36-25 victory over Livingston Manor.

Kinne comes up big in Liberty victory

Story by Alex Rau
LIBERTY — December 6, 2013 — The Liberty Indians claimed a 36-25 win over Livingston Manor in a non-league season opener at Liberty on Monday evening.
Both relatively young varsity teams, the Indians and Wildcats battled some early season jitters with numerous turnovers and missed passes. Liberty senior Erin Kinne led the team with 11 points, while freshman point guard Savannah Reck and sophomore Crystal Torres added six points each.
Kinne’s height and experience aided in grabbing rebounds and driving to the hoop. In her first varsity game, Reck showed good patience and control in moving the ball around.
“I’m very impressed with Savannah’s ability to bring the ball up the court and not force the ball, but rather bring it out and reset,” said Liberty coach Bethanie Quatrale. “That’s something she’s worked very hard on and I’m proud of her.”
With only two returning starters this season, Quatrale looks to develop her younger players and focus on their rebounding and moving the ball up the court.
Livingston Manor’s starting lineup featured several sophomores who faced some pressure from Liberty’s defense. The result was turnovers, shot clock violations and two time outs in the first quarter to regroup.
Senior Ami Calo hit a jump shot to put Manor on the scoreboard with two minutes left in the first quarter. Calo lead the team with nine points followed by sophomore point guard Katie Rau with six points.
Although Manor stepped up its aggressiveness to outscore the Indians in the 4th quarter, it wasn’t enough to take the lead.
Manor coach Kevin Clifford noted it’s early in the season. “We didn’t shoot well from the field, had a lot of turnovers, a lot of early season mistakes that could be expected. This early in the season we have plenty of time to work through them.”
Having graduated starters Samantha Scott and Imani Miranda from the 2012-2013 team which advanced to the state tournament, Clifford said his goals for this season include replacing ball handling and scoring. But he noted his team has good size and will “be big.”
The Indians and Wildcats will face off again next month.