GIRARD GLIDES THROUGH THE WILDCATS
By Matt Maher
GIRARD, OH – The Indians welcomed Struthers to town for another night of Northeast 8 conference action. Girard came out hungry for a win after a disappointing loss to Cardinal Mooney on Monday while Struthers came in red hot with a two game win streak intact. While The Wildcats had momentum from their last games, it would be the Indians who would dominate the night and pull out a 44-21 victory.
Girard came out with a bang, scoring the first 6 points and forcing Struthers to take a timeout that would help the WIldcats to keep it close at 19-12 Girard after 1. Emma Moore had an incredible start, scoring 11 of the 12 for her team including two 3’s, a 2 and going 3-for-3 from the line. Girard was led by MacKenzie White and Mia Malito with White scoring 9 points and Malito putting up 8.
The Indians settled in on defense for the rest of the game and continued to pressure Struthers on offense and marched out of the 2nd with 14 points to Struthers 3. It was a difficult quarter for Struthers who had plenty of offensive opportunities that all either saw great blocking from Girard or missed shots. Natalie Wolikow was the needle in the hay stack with a nice made 3. White continued to lead her team this time with 6 points all from beyond the arc while Caylee Wilkes found 5 including an and-1.
The second half didn’t see much offense on either side with Girard scoring 7-4 over Struthers in the third. Ava Croyle hit a 3 and Morris went 1-for-2 which would be her final score of the night finishing at 12 points on the night. Malito got back on the score sheet with 3 points while White and Ally Gassman both scored 2.
The scoring woes continued with Girard only putting up 4 points and Struthers 2. Natalie Adams found the two for Struthers while Malito found all 4 for Girard. Despite the low scoring from Girard it wasn’t a big deal when you see the final score.
With a great output in the first half and solid defense in the second, Girard showed no issues cruising past Struthers on their home court and picking up their 7th conference win of the season keeping them neck and neck for first with Poland. The Wildcats (5-12, 2-7) will be back home on January 27th to take on West Branch at 12:45PM while Girard (9-8, 7-2) will stay at home to take on Lakeview on January 29th at 6:15PM.
Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/1-25-g-bb-struthers-girard/1-25-g-bb-girard-struthers/104EOS1D
