Cara Batelli hit a jumper with 1:30 remaining in the game and Alexa Freguletti scored 11 points as Mahwah downed previously unbeaten Bergenfield 39-37 Tuesday night. Mahwah outscored the Bears 11 to 6 in the fourth quarter to improve their record to 4-1 on the season.

Batelli, who scored four of her six points in the final quarter, swished a jump shot that gave the Lady Thunderbirds a 38-37 lead. Guard Kristyn Tremblay hit a free throw with 44 seconds to go to extend the Mahwah lead to 39-37.

With Mahwah trailing 31-28 heading into the fourth quarter head coach Mike Branagh told his team they would need to step up their defense if they were going to come out victorious. The girls took their coach's challenge and passed with flying marks.

"The defense really played well, especially in the fourth quarter," said Branagh. "We really tightened up at the end."

Center Courtney Spizzo hit two free throws with 2:34 remaining to give Mahwah a 36-35 lead, their first since the second quarter. After a layup by Bergenfield, Batelli hit the game winning jumper.

"We finally started knocking down some shots," the coach said. "We know we can keep our opponents down with our defense. We just need to make sure we score enough points. Today we were able to do that."

Christina Constantino chipped in with 6 points and Alex Truglio scored four for the Lady Thunderbirds.

While the girls are ecstatic about the big victory, they must now shift their attention to the game Thursday against the Indians of Pascack Valley.

"We can enjoy this victory for about two minutes," said coach Branagh. "We have another big game coming up on Thursday."

The Lady Thunderbirds will take on Pascack Valley at 7pm on Thursday at Mahwah High School.