Pittsfield Boys Fall to Holyoke at Home in Opener

By Kevin ShakeriBerkshires.com Sports
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- New Pittsfield boys basketball coach Brandon Mauer knows there are better things ahead for his Generals after Thursday’s 69-48 loss to Holyoke in his debut.
 
“It was a loss, but I'll take it as encouraging,” Mauer said. “It was fast-paced. Our kids are just starting to get used to each other and used to me as a head coach. I have five new players in the program. They've never met me. We're building a trust together.
 
“Going forward, I think we'll be a really good squad.”
 
Holyoke got 21 points from Derek Biriell and 12 apiece from Jacob Santos, Eddie Anderson and Darius Diaz in the opening night win.
 
The Purple Knights built a 32-23 half-time lead before Pittsfield rallied to get within six in the third quarter behind five points apiece from Edwin Rodriguez and Sam Higuera.
 
“I give them a lot of credit,” Mauer said. “They have a lot of fortitude. They refuse to give up. Even in our practices, they have a high expectation for themselves, as I do. I think that shows. When we were down, I asked them, 'Do you think we can win?' And they said, 'Yeah.'
 
“Sometimes the ball doesn't go your way.”
 
Rodriquez was the only General to finish in double figures with 15 points. Kymani Harley added eight as eight different Pittsfield players got into the scoring column.
 
Pittsfield will look for win No. 1 on Tuesday when it hosts Ludlow in Moynihan Field House.
 
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