The Newburgh Free Academy girls basketball team has experienced an up-and-down stretch in their last three games, marked by a commanding victory sandwiched between two tough losses. The Goldbacks now stand at 3-6 on the season as they prepare for their next matchup against Monroe-Woodbury on Tuesday.

On Dec. 31, Newburgh competed in the Delaware Valley Tournament but fell short against the Delaware Valley Warriors, 54-46. The loss extended the Goldbacks’ skid to three games.

Despite a strong effort, Newburgh couldn’t keep pace, allowing Delaware Valley to secure their first home win of the season.

The Goldbacks turned things around quickly, bouncing back with a dominant 56-19 win over Eldred. The victory marked Newburgh’s most lopsided win of the season. The team’s aggressive defense and efficient scoring were on full display, giving the Goldbacks much-needed momentum heading into their next challenge.

However, the high spirits were short-lived. On Friday, Newburgh faced a strong Albany Falcons squad in a non-league matchup. The Goldbacks battled but ultimately fell 60-50 in a tightly contested game. After entering halftime trailing 34-29, Newburgh struggled to regain control, particularly during a pivotal third quarter where they were outscored 17-7. Standout performances weren’t enough to overcome Albany’s balanced attack, as the Falcons improved to 5-2 while maintaining their top-100 state ranking.

Newburgh will look to regain their footing in upcoming league games. They were scheduled to host Monroe-Woodbury on Jan. 7 and Kingston on Jan. 10, key opportunities to climb back in the standings and build momentum for the season ahead.