By JIM RUMBLE

As is customary every year at this time, the Avonworth girls’ basketball team is headed to the WPIAL playoffs.

The 'Lopes (20-1) are the champions of section 6AA and the top-seed in class AA. They are scheduled to play Tuesday, Feb. 23, in a first round game against the winner of the preliminary round game that matches Riverview and West Shamokin on Saturday, Feb. 20. The site and time are yet to be determined.

The ‘Lopes, who picked up three wins over the last week to complete the regular season, seem confident heading in.

"We seem to have our rhythm back," said coach Bob Schulz. "Things are picking up and we're playing better offensively."

On Friday Feb. 12, the Lady ‘Lopes hosted Quaker Valley and glided to a 57-39 win.

It was the team’s first game since the previous Thursday, with several games being pushed back due to the bad weather.

"We won the game and that's the most important thing," said coach Bob Schulz. "After being off for so many days we were lucky to even play the way we played."

Schulz seemed to be thankful that this game came first after the break, rather than the meeting with a much tougher opponent in Aliquippa the next day.

"It was a nice first game back. I thought we moved the ball well on offense and defensively we didn't want to press tonight," Schulz said.

Avonworth did most of their offensive damage in the first quarter on the inside, where Tara Gallupe scored 10 of her game-high 25 points to spring the 'Lopes to a 17-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

"We did a lot of subbing tonight," said Schulz. That was evident in the second quarter, where reserve players made their presence felt.

Marissa Milbert and Erin Zakor registered baskets, along with scores by regulars Gallupe, Lauren Mayernik and Natalie Zivic, as the 'Lopes used a 13-8 advantage to lead at the half 30-16.

Catherine Costa scored five points and Milbert scored four in the third quarter, leading the Lady ‘Lopes to a 44-22 lead by the end of the period.

With the game already decided, Quaker Valley let it all hang out in the fourth quarter, hitting on five of their 10 three-pointers in the final period on the way to the 57-39 victory for Avonworth.

The Lady ‘Lopes followed that game with a strong performance the next day at home with a 72-44 win over Aliquippa.

Schulz thought his team played particularly well in the first half, where the ‘Lopes led 40-13 at the half.

Gallupe led with a game-high 35 points, followed by Costa with 18 and Molly Frew with 10.

Avonworth closed out the regular season this past Monday with a 53-37 win at Beaver Falls.

"That is a tough place to play," Schulz said later.

The ‘Lopes, who were 18-22 from the free throw line, were led by Gallupe's 24 points.