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Falcons Focus on Consistency Amidst Tough Schedule

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 23:37 GMT by MassLive

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA - January 9th, 2026 - The Fontbonne Academy girls basketball team is navigating a demanding Western Massachusetts Division 1 schedule with a renewed focus on consistency and growth. While early season results presented challenges, the young Falcons squad is demonstrably improving, showcasing flashes of strong play and a commitment to fundamental basketball principles.

Head Coach Rick Mott emphasizes that the current focus isn't solely on wins and losses, but on establishing a reliable level of performance game-to-game. "We're just trying to build some consistency," Mott stated. "That's been our focus. We've had some tough games, but we're learning from them." This strategic approach acknowledges the team's developmental stage while simultaneously pushing for tangible progress.

The Falcons recently experienced the highs and lows typical of a team finding its footing. A narrow 49-45 defeat to Minnechaug on Friday highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in closing out games. Despite leading for a significant portion of the contest, Fontbonne struggled to maintain its advantage in the fourth quarter. Mott noted the team's missed opportunities during crucial moments, underscoring the need for sharper execution under pressure.

However, the team quickly rebounded from the loss, delivering a commanding 65-35 victory over Holyoke on Monday. This decisive win showcased the team's potential when their defensive strategies and balanced offensive attack are fully realized. The ability to respond positively to adversity is a key indicator of a team's maturity and resilience.

Defense and rebounding are cornerstones of Fontbonne's game plan. Mott believes that when the team prioritizes these areas, they can effectively compete against any opponent in the league. This emphasis on foundational skills suggests a long-term approach to building a successful program.

Leading the charge for the Falcons is senior captain Brooke Votta. Votta consistently leads the team in both scoring and rebounding, serving as a crucial veteran presence and a role model for younger players. Her leadership extends beyond statistics; she embodies the work ethic and dedication Mott seeks to instill in the entire team. Emerging alongside Votta is sophomore Emily Gendron, who has quickly become a valuable asset off the bench. Gendron provides an immediate scoring threat and injects energy into the game, offering a dynamic complement to Votta's steady performance.

Beyond these two key players, Coach Mott is seeing positive contributions from Isabella DiMare, Maya Zaccardi, and Olivia Zarkiewicz. This broadening of impactful players suggests a growing depth within the Fontbonne roster, providing greater flexibility and resilience.

The road ahead remains challenging, with upcoming contests scheduled against formidable opponents like Longmeadow, Westfield, and Agawam. These games will serve as valuable tests of the team's progress and provide opportunities to refine their strategies. Despite the tough competition, the team remains focused on incremental improvement.

"We're taking it one game at a time," Mott explained. "We just want to keep improving and playing our best basketball." This pragmatic approach, coupled with the team's growing chemistry and commitment to fundamental principles, positions Fontbonne to potentially contend for a playoff berth. While a championship run may not be the immediate goal, the Falcons are clearly building a foundation for sustained success.