By Spencer Ripchik
Dolly Cairns broke the all time scoring record in Saratoga Springs High School Women’s Basketball history, surpassing the previous holder Jen Pennell, on Tuesday December 10th. Jenn Pennell had 1,518 points in her career and was at the top, until point guard Dolly Cairns sunk a mid range jump shot to put her over by 2 points.
Cairns only needed nine points against opponent Shaker.The nerves were definitely settling in as she got off to a cold start, missing two shots in a row. The rowdy Saratoga crowd had her back and there were no seats for the taking. Shaker was also covering Cairns pretty heavily stopping her from converting on field goals. Once Cairns started making shots she started to heat up. She connected on a deep three tying the record. Cairns broke the record in glistening fashion as she dropped the Shaker defender to the ground on her way to break the record, with 2 minutes still remaining in the first half.
Behind Cairns’s career milestone, the Blue Streaks pulled off a 67- 51 victory over Shaker. Cairns contributed with 30 points, 6 asists, and 6 rebounds. The victory gave the Blue Streaks their second win and continuing on their undefeated path in the Suburban Council.
The record was previously held by Jen Pennell (Dryer) who was a 1994 graduate of Saratoga Springs Highschool. Pennell was a multisport athlete, but was well-known for holding the record for most points scored in Women Basketball at Saratoga. Pennell is now in the Saratoga Springs High School Hall of Fame.
Cairns said, “there is still a lot left” for her in the coming future and she wants to “get as many wins as possible” to cap off her historic career. The Blue Streaks Women’s Basketball Team takes on Guilderland in Guilderland on Friday December 13th.