Geibel Catholic cruises to a 69-38 home victory
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – Four Geibel Catholic players scored in double digits as the Lady Gators bounced Mapletown, 69-38, at home Monday for a Section 2-A victory. “That’s the first time that happened this year,” said Geibel Catholic coach Patrick Klocek. “It demonstrates that our passing is much better and that we have players to just get an assist, and who feel good about nice passes.”
The Lady Gators (7-0, 13-5) tightened their hold on the section lead with the 17 points from Julianne Speeney. Mia White finished with 16 points, Nicole Ardabell had 12, and Sarah Erdely added 11.
“Geibel is always a good team,” said Lady Maples coach Linda Shultz. “Everyone contributed for their cause, and it’s hard to stop something like that.”
The Lady Maples (3-4, 10-6) led the game only once, with a trey at the 7:33 mark by Kaitlyn Novak, and Mapletown struggled with turnovers throughout the first quarter as the Lady Gators began to distance themselves in the quarter.
Despite Erika Chory’s six points in the quarter, the Lady Gators were able to spread the ball around and take advantage of open shots a 22-11 lead.
White drained one from 3-pointer at the 7:13 mark to start the second quarter, and connected with another after a converted free throw by Breanne Dowden to give the Lady Gators a 29-11 lead at the 6:30 mark.
Chory made a hard basket to start a Lady Maples’ 8-2 run, but despite the short comeback, the Lady Gators were well in control of the game, as Ardabell drained two baskets to end the first half 36-19.
The Lady Maples fought back hard in the third quarter, as Chory score nine straight points for the Lady Maples through baskets and free throws resulting from her tough drives to the basket.
Yet the Lady Gators couldn’t be stop, as Speeney drained three baskets, including a basket at the 3-minute mark to put her in double digits, to help her team stay comfortably ahead.
Novak would connect with a basket, but after two consecutive field goals by Erdely, including a lay-up with :02 seconds left, the Lady Maples found themselves trailing 53-30.
Kayla Stevulak nailed her second basket of the night to start the fourth quarter for the Lady Maples, and after another basket by Speeney, Wendy Dickerson would gain two of her own to put the score at 57-36.
Ardabell would get into double digits with her lone fourth quarter basket, as would White a minute later.
Erdely would be the fourth and final member of the double digits club that night with her basket, and after a Carly Ciarochi basket, Klocek emptied the bench as the Lady Gator starters walked off the court to a standing ovation.
Megan Beck would score the final basket of the night for the Lady Gators, as Chory finished her night with 19 points.
“She’s one of those players that you can watch and know she’s very talented, ” said Shultz of Chory. “She’s really carried us so far.”
With the win, Geibel remains alone atop the section, and with a win against Carmichaels next week, can clinch the section title. Geibel has already clinched a playoff berth and will be making their sixth straight WPIAL playoff appearance; a feat Klocek credits his players for.
“It say’s a lot about the seniors and juniors on this team with their ability to play consistently, and it creates a good look for the future of this team in terms of juniors and sophomores.”