Bishop Guertin Beats Portsmouth Christian Academy in Granite State Challenge Quarterfinals

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(DURHAM, April 8, 2017) – The lead went back-and-forth in this quarterfinal GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE game between two veteran teams, Bishop Guertin and Portsmouth Christian Academy. Portsmouth Christian came out strong, answering six questions in a row correctly and ending with a 130 to 70 lead. Bishop Guertin came back in the second round, narrowing the score to 250-230.

But everything came up roses for Portsmouth Christian in the 60-second round when they answered nine out of the ten questions in their category, "A Rose is a Rose" - only missing a question about TV host Charlie Rose. Bishop Guertin chose the category "What About Bob" and picked up 60 points after missing questions about Bob Woodward, the bobolink, Bobcat Goldthwait and Bob Newhart.

It all came down to the final round where correct answers are worth 20 points, but incorrect answers cost a team 20 points, and playing too aggressively or not aggressively enough can cost you the game. Portsmouth Christian went into the round with a comfortable 340-290 lead, but Bishop Guertin chose to play an aggressive final round and defeated Portsmouth Christian Academy by a final score of 430-320. Playing for the Bishop Guertin Cardinals was captain Holly Boivin, David MiCali, Gabby Paquet, John McCann and alternates Jack LeVasseur and Mary Duffy, The team was coached by Lisa LaRochelle. The Portsmouth Christian Academy Eagles were represented by captain Riley Sipp, David Harju, Ben Abraham, Joseph Stevens and alternates Natalie Rinehart and Emilee LaRose, The Eagles were coached by Donna Capern, Raymond Gamble, and Eric Savage.

Watch this and all the matches online >>

“We've had some exciting and surprising outcomes,” said Bishop Guertin coach Lisa LaRochelle. “This has been a very exciting season to watch.” Bishop Guertin now advances to the semifinals of GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE. Hosted by Jim Jeannotte, the popular quiz contest began the season with 16 Granite State high school teams battling toward the coveted SUPERCHALLENGE title. Also, for a fifth year, there will be a Granite State vs. Bay State Governor's Cup match between the winners of the GRANITE STATE SUPERCHALLENGE and the WGBH Boston High School Quiz Show.

New Hampshire's top high school academic teams demonstrate remarkable teamwork, quick thinking and smarts as they play GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE. The game emphasizes quick recall of math, science, social studies, language arts and fine arts facts—along with questions about current events, entertainment, sports, and New England. Watch GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE Saturdays at 6 PM on NHPTV PRIME, with multiple airdates on NHPTV PRIME and NHPTV EXPLORE.

All games are available to watch online at video.nhptv.org. Online GSC quizzes keep students and audiences involved in the fun. www.nhptv.org/gsc GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE is generously funded by lead sponsor Unitil, a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England; additional funding is provided by NEA-New Hampshire, Heinemann Publishing, D.F. Richard Energy, Measured Progress, Pax World Donor Advised Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the NHHEAF Network Organizations, New Hampshire Magazine, and our Super Sunday partner, Manchester Community College.