OBSERVER Photo by Ron Szot Pictured right, Fredonia’s Kazlin Beers (2) goes up while getting fouled during a basketball game Thursday at Fredonia High School.

The Fredonia Hillbillies girls basketball team lost their league opener on Thursday, falling to Olean 66-39 in CCAA Div. 1 West action.

Grace Mroczka led the Hillbillies with 11 points and seven rebounds while Kazlin Beers added 10 points of her own. Anna Buchanan pitched in seven points and 11 rebounds.

“It was a very close game through the first half,” said Fredonia head coach Mark Putney. “We battled the whole game and I’m proud of the way the girls fought and displayed their character.”

Olean, ranked No. 2 in the state for Class B coming into the contest, was led by Sara Pfieffer with 31 points.

Fredonia (3-2, 0-1) will be back in action Saturday to make up a game they missed earlier in the season against Randolph.

Gowanda 54, Salamanca 34

SALAMANCA — Miya Scanlon scored a game-high 19 points and recorded eight steals to lead the Gowanda Panthers girls basketball team to victory over Salamanca in CCAA East 1 league action on Thursday, 54-34.

Gowanda was also led by a double-double from Paige Gabel who had 11 points and 11 rebounds to help the winners. Jeorgia Benton added nine points for the Panthers.

Salamanca was led by Zoe Gross with 14 points, adding two 3-pointers across the game action.

“We had a sluggish third quarter and weren’t at full strength,” said Salamanca head coach Bryelle Wallin. “It’ll be interesting when we play at their place.”

Gowanda (4-3, 1-0) will be back at home against Allegany-Limestone on Monday while Salamanca (2-7, 0-1) will face Silver Creek on Monday.

Southwestern 60, Chautauqua Lake 43

MAYVILLE — On the back of three 3-pointers from Sofia Genareo, Southwestern was able to pick up a huge first-quarter lead in hostile territory on Thursday evening.

The Trojans sophomore would finish with a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double to lead Southwestern (6-4, 1-0) to a 60-43 win over host Chautauqua Lake (7-2, 0-1) in CCAA Division 1 West play.

Joining Genareo on the offense was Erin Radack with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and four assists as the Trojans were able to pick up an 18-4 lead after the first eight minutes of play.

Chautauqua Lake would make a valiant comeback effort in the final two periods, as Lily Woodis led the way with 10 points, while Abi Henry added eight rebounds and nine points, with Katelyn Fardink chipping in seven points, three assists and four steals.

Cassadaga Valley 47, Falconer 40

Cassadaga Valley improved to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in CCAA Division 2 West play with a 47-40 win over Falconer (3-9, 1-3) on Thursday night.

After trailing at halftime, the Cougars would score 16 points in the third quarter and 11 in the fourth, with Bella Ruiz hitting five 3s on the way to a 20-point outing for the winners, who also had Meghan LeBaron add five rebounds.

Sarah Disbro grabbed 15 points, five steals and six rebounds for Falconer while Rachael Harper had three points and six rebounds, with Ava Fenton adding seven points and four steals.

Silver Creek 63, Randolph 31

SILVER CREEK — The Black Knights (6-1) hosted the Lady Cardinals (2-5) in a Section VI, CCAA Division I West, girls basketball matchup, at Silver Creek high school. Silver Creek was on full throttle all night, speeding to strong 63-31 win over Randolph.

“I was extremely proud of the team tonight,” said Silver Creek Coach Tammy Rice. “We played great team basketball, worked the entire game for this win.”

Silver Creek was led by an electric performance from Abby Rice, Abby registered a double-double, putting up 27 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Jaylah Cossin contributed 12 points and six rebounds, Jade Bouvier scored 10 and Emma Rice also registered a double-double, scoring 10 and getting 10 assists.

Randolph’s effort was powered by Sydney Hvizdak with 13 points, five rebounds and five steals. Savannah Rhodes had eight points and Allison Ames contributed five rebounds.

“There was a point where Randolph started to press us, and we were able to collect themselves and handle the pressure,” said coach Rice. “I’m really proud of beating a school with a good program who we’re used to losing to.”

Maple Grove 55, Dunkirk 46

Marisa Schuppenhauer scored 16 points and dished out seven assists, Bre Hill had 19 points and 17 rebounds, and Sam Snow finished with 15 points and 14 boards as Maple Grove opened its Division 1 West basketball schedule with a 55-46 victory over Dunkirk on Thursday night.

Schuppenhauer’s biggest bucket of the game came in the closing seconds of the third quarter when she drilled a 3-pointer from just inside halfcourt, giving the Lady Red Dragons (7-0, 1-0) a 42-36 lead.

“She was the real spark tonight,” Maple Grove coach Bill Price said. “We struggled offensively, but we picked it up in the second half. Schuppenhauer was huge for us.”

Jessica Beehler led the Lady Marauders (8-2, 0-1) with 13 points.

The game was close throughout, with Dunkirk leading, 16-12, after the first quarter. Maple Grove took a 27-23 advantage at intermission and extended it to six points, courtesy of Schuppenhauer’s bomb from deep.

“That’s the fun part of this league. Anyone can beat any other team,” Price said. “Everyone has to show up (every night).”

Panama 65, Westfield-Brocton 43

BROCTON — The Westfield/Brocton girls basketball team hosted Panama in a Section V, CCAA Division II matchup, at Brocton High School. The Wolverines ran into a tough Panama team, coming up short, 65-43.

The Lady Wolverines effort was led by Sophia Demarco with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Demarco also racked up eight rebounds and three steals. Julie Smith contributed 13 points and five rebounds.