By Wayne A. Bauer
Daily Press Staff

Elk Catholic’s Lady Crusaders picked up their 10th District 9 League victory of the season as they defeated the Clearfield Lady Bisons by a 44-31 score last evening at the Clearfield Area High School gym.

“We played a very good defensive game tonight against a solid offensive minded team,” said Ken Pistner, Elk County Catholic’s head coach. “We played very aggressive tonight after playing four games in a six-day span. The girls played very well in this stretch as we defeated some very good ball clubs.”

“Our post defense was very good again tonight,” added Pistner.

Elk Catholic put three girls in double figures last night with Kaitlyn Geci and Bre Grimone leading the way with 14 points each. Kaitlyn’s came on four field goals and two treys, while Bre had seven field goals. Emily Detsch checked in with 10 points on four field goals and a two for two night at the foul line. Abbey Salter, Sandy Levenduski and Nikki Gaton each had two points to round out the ECCHS scoring.

Clearfield was led by Annie Janocko with 11 points on three field goals, a trey and a two for two night at the line. Gwenn Porter was next with seven points, followed by Sarah Kovalick with six points, Amber Byerly with three, Madison Sopic and Elizabeth Peters with two points.

The two teams matched buckets in the first period of play as they each scored nine points as the quarter ended with the score tied at 9-all.

The Lady Crusaders took over the lead in the second quarter as they outscored the Clearfield girls by a 13 to 8 margin to take a 22-17 lead into the locker room at the half.

A 14 to 6 Elk Catholic edge in the third quarter of play allowed the Lady Crusaders to extend their lead to 13 points, 36-23, with one period remaining to be played.

Both teams scored eight points in the final stanza as the Lady Crusaders were able to hang on and win by 13 points, 44-31.

Game notes

Lady Crusaders are now 19-1 on the season and 10-0 in the District 9 League and 6-0 in the AML League.

Lady Crusaders have two D-9 League games remaining on their regular season schedule as they travel crosstown on Friday night to take on the Lady Dutch of St. Marys Area, then on Wednesday they will play host to the Bradford Lady Owls. Wednesday will be Senior Parents Night for the Lady Crusaders.

ECCHS 44

Kirstie Pistner 0-0-0-0-0, Kaitlyn Geci 4-2-0-0-14, Bre Grimone 7-0-0-0-14, Abbey Salter 1-0-0-0-2, Emily Detsch 4-0-2-2-10, Sandy Levenduski 0-0-2-2-4, Alyssa Hunter 0-0-0-0-0, Nikki Gaton 1-0-0-0-2, Karly Carnovale 0-0-0-0-0. Totals 17-2-4-4-44.

Clearfield 31

Annie Janocko 3-1-2-2-11, Sarah Kovalick 2-0-2-2-6, Jayme Ryan 0-0-0-0-0, Madison Sopic 1-0-0-0-2, Gwenn Porter 3-0-1-2-7, Amber Byerly 1-0-1-2-3, Elizabeth Peters 1-0-0-0-2. Totals 11-1-6-8-31.

Score by Quarters

ECCHS   9  13  14  8  44

Clfd.  9  8  6  8  31

J.V.’s win

The Elk County Catholic Junior Varsity squad returned to the victory trail last night as they defeated the Clearfield Junior Varsity squad by a 22 to 15 score.