But the senior point guard returned to set up a huge basket that propelled Malverne to a 45-36 victory at the Clark Athletic Center on the campus SUNY-Old Westbury. Junior Alicia Steele scored 18 points to lead the offense for the Lady Mules, who captured their sixth county title.
Gabbe was determined to go home a champion. She was freshman when the Lady Mules last won a county title. “I knew this was it,” Gabbe said. “If we lose, basketball is over for good. The coaches told us to leave everything we had out on the court, and win the game with defense. We were going to find a way to win this game.”
Malverne, coached by Lisa Gress, top East Rocakway in the county small schools title game but would come up short against Hampton Bays in the Long Island Class B final.
