Derryfield girls basketball team advances to D-II semifinals

Undersized Cougars pull away late to defeat Souhegan 37-32 in quarterfinals

Mar. 9, 2026 at 10:23am

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The Derryfield School girls basketball team, ranked second in Division II, secured a 37-32 victory over seventh-seeded Souhegan in the quarterfinals to advance to the state semifinals. The Cougars, who completed a 16-2 regular season to earn a first-round bye and home matchup, will face No. 6 Merrimack Valley in the next round after the latter team upset third-ranked Bow 42-40.

Why it matters

Derryfield, despite being undersized, has continued to defy expectations and evolve into a top contender in Division II. Their quarterfinal win sets up a semifinal matchup against another surprise team in Merrimack Valley, making for an intriguing clash of upstarts vying for a spot in the state championship game.

The details

In the quarterfinal game, Derryfield pulled away late to secure the 37-32 victory over Souhegan. The Cougars had previously completed a 16-2 regular season to earn a first-round bye and home matchup in the playoffs. Next up for Derryfield is a semifinal clash against No. 6 Merrimack Valley, which upset third-ranked Bow 42-40 to reach the semifinals. Derryfield earned a 44-35 win over Merrimack Valley in their lone regular-season matchup on Feb. 13.

  • Derryfield completed a 16-2 regular season to earn a first-round bye.
  • Derryfield defeated Souhegan 37-32 in the quarterfinals on Saturday night.
  • Derryfield will face Merrimack Valley in the semifinals.

The players

Anna Fazelat

A sophomore guard for Derryfield School.

Merrimack Valley

The No. 6 seed in Division II, which upset third-ranked Bow 42-40 to reach the semifinals.

Bow

The third-ranked team in Division II, which was upset by Merrimack Valley in the quarterfinals.

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What’s next

The winner of the Derryfield-Merrimack Valley semifinal will advance to the Division II state championship game.

The takeaway

Derryfield's underdog run to the semifinals showcases the team's ability to defy expectations and evolve into a top contender in Division II, setting up an intriguing clash with fellow upstart Merrimack Valley for a spot in the state title game.