• Ridgefield’s Norah McNeece (25) attempts to block a shot by Trumbull’s Julie Keckler druing theri FCIAC game Saturday in Trumbull. The Tigers won their seventh straight and handed the Eagles their first loss of the season. Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media / Connecticut Post
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 1of/45

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield’s Norah McNeece (25) attempts to block a shot by Trumbull’s Julie Keckler druing theri FCIAC game Saturday in Trumbull. The Tigers won their seventh straight and handed the Eagles their first loss of the season. less
Ridgefield’s Norah McNeece (25) attempts to block a shot by Trumbull’s Julie Keckler druing theri FCIAC game Saturday in Trumbull. The Tigers won their seventh straight and handed the Eagles their first ... more
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 2 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield's Kate Wagner releases a shot during girls basketball action against Trumbull in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Ridgefield's Kate Wagner releases a shot during girls basketball action against Trumbull in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 3 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield’s Kate Wagner, left, blocks a drive to the basket by Trumbull’s Julie Keckler on Saturday.
Ridgefield’s Kate Wagner, left, blocks a drive to the basket by Trumbull’s Julie Keckler on Saturday.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 4 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield's Faith Arnold looks to pass the ball as Trumbull's Allison Palmieri blocks during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Ridgefield's Faith Arnold looks to pass the ball as Trumbull's Allison Palmieri blocks during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 5 of 45
Image 6 of 45
Buy photo
Trumbull's Cassi Barbato attempts a shot as Ridgefield's Katie Flynn (4) defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Trumbull's Cassi Barbato attempts a shot as Ridgefield's Katie Flynn (4) defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 7 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield's Megan Klosowski tries to drive the ball around Trumbull's Meghan Lesko during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Ridgefield's Megan Klosowski tries to drive the ball around Trumbull's Meghan Lesko during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 8 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield's Kate Wagner drives the ball as Trumbull's Julie Keckler tracks during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Ridgefield's Kate Wagner drives the ball as Trumbull's Julie Keckler tracks during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 9 of 45
Buy photo
Trumbull's Cassi Barbato attempts a shot as Ridgefield's Megan Klosowski defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Trumbull's Cassi Barbato attempts a shot as Ridgefield's Megan Klosowski defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 10 of 45
Image 11 of 45
Buy photo
Trumbull's Cassi Barbato passes the ball pass Ridgefield's Kate Wagner, center, during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Trumbull's Cassi Barbato passes the ball pass Ridgefield's Kate Wagner, center, during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 12 of 45
Buy photo
Trumbull's Allison Palmieri attempts a lay up as Ridgefield's Norah McNeece defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Trumbull's Allison Palmieri attempts a lay up as Ridgefield's Norah McNeece defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 13 of 45
Buy photo
Trumbull Head Coach: Steve Tobitsch during girls basketball action against Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Trumbull Head Coach: Steve Tobitsch during girls basketball action against Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 14 of 45
Buy photo
Ridgefield Head Coach: Thomas DiMarzo during girls basketball action against Trumbull in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Ridgefield Head Coach: Thomas DiMarzo during girls basketball action against Trumbull in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 15 of 45
Image 16 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 17 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 18 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 19 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 20 of 45
Image 21 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 22 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 23 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 24 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 25 of 45
Image 26 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 27 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 28 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 29 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 30 of 45
Image 31 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 32 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 33 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 34 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 35 of 45
Image 36 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 37 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 38 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 39 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 40 of 45
Image 41 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 42 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 43 of 45
Buy photo
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Girls basketball action between Trumbull and Ridgefield in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 44 of 45
Buy photo
Trumbull's Julie Keckler attempts a shot as Ridgefield's Caroline Curnal defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Trumbull's Julie Keckler attempts a shot as Ridgefield's Caroline Curnal defends during girls basketball action in Trumbull, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018.
Photo: Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Buy this photo
Image 45 of 45

TRUMBULL — Up by a point on undefeated Trumbull with less than a second remaining, the thoughts of Ridgefield senior Caroline Curnal — and Tigers’ coach Thomas DiMarzo — temporarily flashed back to a similar situation two seasons ago when the Eagles defeated them via a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

History didn’t repeat itself for the Tigers Saturday afternoon, as Trumbull’s last-second 3-point attempt bounced off the back rim, allowing Ridgefield to hang on to a 33-32 road victory.

The Eagles’ first loss of the season prompted an jubilant celebration by the Tigers, who won their seventh straight game.

“We’ve never beaten them in my four years,” said Curnal, the team’s lone senior. “It’s unreal we could do it with such a young team.”

Curnal and Kate Wagner led Ridgefield (9-3) with 10 points each.

“We grew up tonight,” DiMarzo said. “Probably for some of them this was the biggest game of their lives up to this point, that’s why there was so much emotion at the end.”

Wagner’s free throw with 1:15 remaining — set up in part by a Trumbull inbound violation — proved to be the difference. Down one, Trumbull had two attempts to take the lead on the game’s last possession and got one final chance when the ball went out of bounds off a Ridgefield player under the basket with 0.6 left on the clock.

“We were excited,” DiMarzo said. “We took it as a playoff game because we want to be there at the end, and to be there at the end you have to face teams like this.”

Julie Keckler led Trumbull (12-1) with nine points. Trumbull also relied on freshmen in its rotation, with Cassi Barbato and Allie Palmieri logging extensive minutes.

“This was the best thing that could happen to us,” Trumbull coach Steve Tobitsch said. “I never predicted us to be 12-0 at this point in the year and I tell (my team) all the time, it’s high school basketball, you’re going to lose a game. It’s not the end of the world, but I think we can learn a lot from this game.”

After a slow start Trumbull looked like it would be on its way to victory No. 13. The Eagles used their defense to build a 21-12 lead late in the second quarter. Ridgefield responded with the last six points of the quarter and trailed only 21-18 at the break.

In the second half the Tigers’ defense took over and limited the Eagles to 11 points — including just four in the fourth quarter.

“They’re a great program and it shows a lot about us,” Curnal said. “It shows we kept composure down by seven in the second quarter. That shows a lot about us as a team.”

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Caroline Curnal, Ridgefield, F — The senior co-led the Tigers with 10 points, including two important baskets midway through the fourth quarter.

YOUNG TIGERS

Ridgefield got 70 percent of its points from freshmen and sophomores on Saturday. Curnal is the only upperclassman on the roster.

QUOTEABLE

“This loss puts us right back in the category with everybody else and that’s not a bad thing at all.” — Trumbull coach Steve Tobitsch on his team’s first loss of the season.

RIDGEFIELD 33, TRUMBULL 3

RIDGEFIELD (9-3)

Katie Flynn 1 0-0 2 Kate Wanger 4 1-2 10 Bella Giordano 0 0-0 0 Faith Arnold 0 0-0 0 Cameron McClellan 0 0-0 0 Caroline Curnal 3 3-6 10 Megan Klosowski 3 1-1 7 Norah McNeece 0 0-0 0 Sabrina Grizzaffi 1 2-5 4 Totals: 12 7-14 33

TRUMBULL (12-1)

Megan Lesko 0 0-0 0 Kelly O’Leary 0 0-0 0 Krystina Schueler 1 0-0 2 Aisling Maguire 2 3-6 7 Julie Keckler 1 2 1-2 9 Cassi Barbato 2 0-0 4 Allie Palmieri 3 1-2 7 Brady Lynch 1 1-2 3 Totals: 12 6-12 32

RIDGEFIELD 10 8 6 9—33

TRUMBULL 15 6 7 4—32

3-pointers: R—Wagner, Curnal; T—Keckler 2