CARDINALS BLOCK HARDING

YOUNGSTOWN OH- The ladies of Cardinal Mooney basketball got the week started with a big home victory over formerly undefeated Warren G. Harding. After 32 minutes in a tough defensive battle Mooney had made all the right moves to conquer the invading Raiders in a stunning 21-point victory on Wednesday night. Mooney was once again led by Maria Fire who had 20-points and 4-blocks against the Raiders and her partner in battle Olivia Rouser had 12-points. Her performance was one for the ages as she had more points than the Raiders for the majority of the game before Coach Diorio decided to shorten his starters minutes to bring in some younger players to finish out.

Cardinal Mooney jumped out to an early lead in this one as they held a 10-5 advantage after a first quarter in which they had led at one point 10-1. With all of the points for Mooney Wednesday night it is possible their defense might be left out of the conversation, but they allowed just 2-points in the second quarter and led 18-7 going into the half. Fire and Olivia Rouser each had 8-points at this time. Out of the halftime break Mooney’s offense exploded for one of the biggest quarters they’ve had all season long. They nearly double their points total from the first half and allowed just five-points the other way. They led after three quarters 33-12. The fourth quarter saw a lot of subs coming in and out of the game for both sides as there was no hope for a comeback.

Both teams earned 10-points and Mooney came out with their fourth victory of the season (4-3) 43-22 and handed Harding their first loss of the season (4-1). Mooney has a tough test in front of them this weekend as they travel into Boardman to take on the Spartans. While Harding will look to bounce back as they travel a few minutes west to Chaney this Saturday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna