Avonworth’s Laura Presutti takes a shot during Wedensday's win over Belle Vernon. Photo by Tom Steiner for The Citizen

By JIM RUMBLE

Although it may be too early to tell how good this team will be, the Avonworth girls’ basketball team is off to a great start. The Lady ‘Lopes won the Brentwood tournament last weekend before defeating Belle Vernon at home on Wednesday 52-25.

"We played well on defense tonight," said coach Bob Schulz after the Belle Vernon game.

Led by Lauren Mayernik's 21 points, the 'Lopes jumped right out of the gate, shooting 10 of 14 in the first quarter on their way to a huge lead.

"We did a great job of man-to-man defense and our offense was on fire," Schulz said.

Mayernik scored six points that, along with baskets by Catherine Costa, Laura Presutti and Mackenzie Mayernik, put the 'Lopes in front 12-0.

The Leopards converted a pair of free throws to stop the run, but a basket by Costa in transition and a score in the lane by Erin Zakor had Avonworth leading 16-2 with 2:37 left in the opening quarter.

L. Mayernik's three-point play, along with her sister’s basket inside, had the 'Lopes outscoring Belle Vernon 5-4 through the remainder of the quarter to lead 21-6.

With all of Avonworth's points came in or around the lane, Schulz stated, "We had a tremendous first quarter of moving the ball."

Avonworth slowed down a bit offensively in the second quarter, but the Leopards were not able to take advantage.

They did come alive at one point, cutting Avonworth's lead to 10 at 23-13, but the 'Lopes followed with baskets by M. Mayernik, Natalie Zivic, L. Mayernik and a pair of free throws by Zakor in an 8-0 run that propelled the Lady ‘Lopes to a 32-15 halftime lead.

L. Mayernik scored all six of Avonworth's points in the third quarter, where the 'Lopes seemed to have trouble getting to loose balls but still managed to outscore Belle Vernon to lead at the end of the third quarter 38-20.

"One thing we didn't do was check out too well and after a shot there was a group of five to the basketball," Schulz said."I don't know if it was fatigue or concentration -- we usually don't do it that way," he said.

The 'Lopes regained their upbeat play, getting balanced scoring through the line-up and playing well defensively in the fourth quarter while outscoring the Leopards 14-5 on their way to the 52-25 victory.

Following L. Mayernik's 21 points were Costa with 9, Zakor with 8, M. Mayernik with 6, Zivic with 4 and Presutti and Monteea' Hunter with 2 apiece.

In the Brentwood tournament last weekend, the Lady ‘Lopes defeated Brashear in the first game 70-26.

L. Mayernik had 20 points and 21 rebounds, while Costa finished with 17 points and 10 assists. Presutti scored 13 points and Zivic 9. The 'Lopes defeated Brentwood in the championship game 71-9. Schulz was pleased with his team’s defensive play, which only allowed 20 shots by the Spartans.

Costa had 25 points, M. Mayernik had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Zakor had 12 points.

L. Mayernik was named MVP of the tourney, with Costa and Presutti named to the all tourney team.