by Strongsville, OH: After Nina Rodriguez’s 10-point third quarter brought Mentor back in the game, Strongsville started the fourth with a 25-8 run to seal a 78-56 Greater Cleveland Conference victory. Rodriguez led the Cardinals with 18 points while Kennedi Neale paced the Mustangs with 30.
Strongsville opened the game on a 5-0 run and dominated the first quarter, getting nine points a piece from Sidney Butera and Sydney Bass. Rodriguez scored all six for Mentor, and the Mustangs held a commanding 24-6 lead after one.
The Cardinals battled back in the second, getting eight points from senior Sophia Stouffer. Sydney Bass continued her hot start with another six in the quarter, and Strongsville took a 38-21 lead into the halftime break.
The third quarter belonged to junior guard Nina Rodriguez. Despite trailing by 17 at the half, Rodriguez would not let the Cardinals go down without a fight. She racked up ten points in the quarter, continuosly driving the lane for tough layups. Her 10 points nearly matched the Mustangs’ team total of 12, and Mentor had narrowed the gap to 50-44 heading into the fourth.
After Rodriguez scored again early in the fourth, Strongsville Head Coach Madyson Farnbauch made a change, giving Kennedi Neale the tough defensive assignment. The move paid off as the Mustangs went on a 25-8 run to begin the quarter. The deficit proved too much to mount for the Cardinals, as Strongsville held on for a dominant 78-56 win over Mentor.
Up Next
The victory keeps the Lady Mustangs perfect in GCC action and improves them to 10-1. Strongsville will be back in action on Thursday when they host Olmsted Falls (7-2).
The loss drops the Cardinals to 9-4 on the season and drops them to third in the GCC. Mentor returns to the court Saturday afternoon when they host conference foe Brunswick (4-8).
Players of the Game
Strongsville Lady Mustangs
Kennedi Neale: 30 points
Sidney Butera: 27 points
Mentor Lady Cardinals
Nina Rodriguez: 22 points
JV SCORE: 64-12 Mentor
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