DANVERS ? Fenwick came into its game against Beverly on Saturday seeking one more victory to qualify for the state tournament. Unfortunately for the Crusaders, they’ll have to try to accomplish that goal again Monday.Beverly defeated Fenwick, 55-49, in the opening matchup of the North Shore High School Hoop Invitational at Danvers. The loss drops the Crusaders to 9-10, and they must win the tournament’s consolation game against Danvers on Monday to qualify for the state tournament. Beverly faces Masconomet for the title after the Chieftains defeated Danvers, 57-35, in the first round.”There’s not much to say,” Fenwick coach Tim Harrington said. “If we win, we keep playing. We lose, we’re done.”Coming out of halftime trailing 24-22, Fenwick got off to a quick start behind senior guard Maddie Bissaillon, whose steals led to two quick Crusader baskets. Beverly retained its lead, though, with 3-pointers from juniors Meghan Chatellier and Kellie Shea.The teams traded baskets for much of the quarter. Each time Fenwick got a quick surge, Beverly answered with a trey to keep itself in the game.”They hit several big threes every time we made a run,” Harrington said.The game stayed very close until the halfway point of the fourth quarter. Trailing 45-44, the Crusader offense hit a wall. Over the last five minutes of the contest, Fenwick did not make a single field goal, converting just four free throws. Beverly took advantage of the Crusaders’ shooting woes, going ahead 49-44 after a 3-pointer by junior Jessica Shaw.Despite the stagnant offense, Fenwick was able to claw back to within two at the foul line. Trailing 50-48 with just over a minute to play, the Crusaders had their best chance to tie the game on a long possession that saw them get two open looks at the basket. However, they were unable to convert on either try, and Beverly sealed the win at the free-throw line.After the game, Harrington said his team displayed little patience on offense.”We need better shot selection,” Harrington said. “I give credit to Beverly, because (their defense) had a lot to do with it. But quick shots lead to bad shots.”Fenwick came out strong to begin the contest. Bissaillon racked up four steals in the first period, helping her team to some easy fast-break points. Buoyed by their strong defensive play, the Crusaders ended the quarter with an 18-8 advantage.”The first quarter went as we needed it to go,” Harrington said. “But after that, we just couldn’t put the ball in the hoop.”The Panthers came roaring back in the second quarter, erupting for a 14-4 run that tied the score at 22 late in the half. With the clock winding down, Chatellier put her team ahead at the half, 24-22, on a bucket with five seconds remaining.Bissaillon and Shea were named as the MVPs for their respective teams following the game.Beverly coach Matt Smith said he was impressed with the way his team played against the Crusaders.”Defensively, we played very well,” Smith said. “We played last night, and I was worried about (the team) being tired. But the girls stepped it up and played well against a very good team.”