by Rocky River, OH- The North Olmsted Eagles traveled to Rocky River this evening for a battle on the basketball court for a girls GLC rivalry game. The Rocky River Pirates came into the game with a record of 4-1. The North Olmsted Eagles came into the game with a record of 2-5
The Lady Pirates prevailed to a 63-33 victory.
The first quarter of the game was rather sloppy to say the least. The two teams combined for 10 total turnovers and stifling defense on both sides added to the chaos.
Pirate G Natalie Swallow was a stable force and was able to score 3 early baskets and the Eagles were paced by F Katie Strong with 2 baskets in the quarter. The scoreboard showed a score of Pirates 12 Eagles 7 after one.
The second quarter of the game was a strong one for the Pirates as their defensive pressure and stifling full court press frequently caused many Eagle turnovers. Pirate F Ava Patti was able to navigate her way through the court with ease and was the recipient of many great passes from G Annika Mocho.
Ava was able to score 4 baskets in the second quarter and extend the lead for the Pirates to a halftime score of Pirates 28 Eagles 17.
The third quarter of the game again showed off the pressure that the Pirates were able to generate off of all made baskets. The only saving grace for the Eagles throughout the quarter was their ability to get offensive rebounds.
Ava Patti was able to score at ease throughout the quarter and she was accompanied by G Annika Mocho who scored three 3 point baskets in the quarter. The score at the end of the third quarter was Pirates 47 Eagles 24.
The Pirates momentum did not stop in the 4th quarter and they were able to extend their lead with great defense and opportunistic shooting.
Final Score Pirates 63 Eagles 33
Rocky River head coach Jamey Pfahl after the game stated “Our defensive pressure in the second half was the key to this game. We were able to limit our turnovers in the second half which was crucial as well..” He also stated “Our work on the glass was very disappointing and we emphasize that daily and I am disappointed that they out rebounded us.”
Rocky River(5-1)travels to Westlake on Saturday
North Olmsted(2-6)travels to Elyria Catholic on Saturday
