Jan 29, 2008 By Kevin Harrison For The 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Connellsville celebrated “Senior Night” Monday, and the Lady Falcons did everything they could to stay close to Hempfield in their Section 1-AAAA contest. The Lady Falcons scrambled on defense, were patient with their offense and fought hard on the offensive and defensive boards.

However, about midway through the third quarter, the Spartans, led by 6-1 center Jenn West, came to life and held the Lady Falcons to just eight points in the second half on their way to a 40-20 victory.

West scored a game-high 15 points to lead the Lady Spartans, getting 11 in the second half. Tara Catone added 10 for Hempfield.

For Connellsville (1-6, 1-19) Erica Brooks lead the way with nine.

“I felt we were lethargic and not ready to play tonight,” Hempfield’s Gene Brisbane said. “Fortunately, we regrouped and West got some points, and started controlling the boards and we got a few fast break points. I give Connellsville credit. They were trying to win a ball game and came at us hard all night. My hat’s off to them for their effort.”

Hempfield (9-4, 16-5) opened the game with an 11-0 lead as West hit two free throws, Maria Montini scored, was fouled and hit the free throw to complete a 3-point play. Catone scored when West hit two more from the line before Catone scored again.

Brooks hit a jumper for Connellsville’s first points on the night.

Connellsville (1-6, 1-19) actually outscored the Lady Spartans 10-8 in the second quarter. Melissa Lupinacci scored for Hempfield to open the quarter. Brooks scored for the Falcons. Catone hit two free throws for the Spartans. Brooks scored again and Jenna Luzcka hit 3-pointer for the Lady Falcons as they trailed Hempfield, 15-9.

The Spartans got a free throw from Katy Kline, a basket from Danielle Murphy, and another free throw from Courtney Dibridge to open up a 19-9 lead. Brooks hit a three before the end of the half to bring the Lady Falcons to within seven, 19-12.

“When Hempfield stepped up their defensive pressure, I felt we panicked and lost a little poise. That is something we must get better at,” Falcons coach Kim Jacobs said. “There are signs of improvement between now and the beginning of the season. Some of the girls are showing some ability to play the game. If we put in the work during the off-season we’ll be okay.”

The score remained the same until the four minute mark of the third quarter when Hempfield found themselves and took off on a 10-2 run to open up a 29-14 lead with West leading the way with six.

The Spartans then went on an 11-2 run in the fourth quarter to coast in for the win.