By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth girls’ basketball team traveled to crosstown rival Northgate last Thursday, intending to take the section title outright with a win over the Flames. Although Northgate battled to remain within striking distance through the third quarter, the Lady ‘Lopes would not be denied, as they defeated the Flames 50-28.

The 'Lopes will begin the WPIAL playoffs with a first round game on Tuesday, Feb. 22. They will play the winner of the Keystone Oaks - New Brighton preliminary round game with the time and site yet to be determined.

Catherine Costa opened the scoring for Avonworth two minutes into the game with a fast break basket, but Northgate's Chloe Quinn responded by hitting a 3-point jumper from the right corner, giving the Flames a 3-2 lead.

Mackenzie Mayernik's bank shot from the top of the key sent the 'Lopes on a 6-0 run that included two put-backs by Lauren Mayernik that gave Avonworth an 8-3 lead.

Northgate's Savannah Paladin knocked down a jumper from the right side before the quarter ended with Avonworth leading 8-5.

Avonworth switched into their man-to-man defense in the second quarter, where they were able to open a sizeable lead.

The Lady Lopes also utilized their transition offense, as Natalie Zivic's 5 points fueled a 9-0 run to put Avonworth up 19-6 with a couple of minutes left in the half.

Kayla Saylor scored on an inbounds play under the Northgate basket to stop the run, but Avonworth took advantage of two Flames turnovers that resulted in baskets by M. Mayernik and Zivic to give the 'Lopes a 23-8 halftime lead.

The teams traded scores throughout the third quarter, where the Flames had their most productive period on offense.

Northgate's Sara Dunn scored 6 points, which helped the Flames to outscore Avonworth 13-11 and gave the 'Lopes a 34-21 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Lady ‘Lopes pulled away in the final quarter where Costa's 8 points led the offense on their way to the 50-28 victory.

After the game Avonworth coach Bob Schulz credited his team's play in the man to man defense as the major factor in his team's win.

Northgate coach Dave Sylvester, who just completed his first year with the Flames, said, "The girls played really hard. I was very happy I got the opportunity to coach them and hopefully we'll do better next year."

L. Mayernik led Avonworth scorers with 18 points, followed by Costa with 10, Zivic with 9, M. Mayernik with 6, Moriah Eck with 3 and Erin Zakor and Laura Presutti with 2 points each.

Saylor led Northgate scorers with 9 points, followed by Paladin with 8, Dunn with 6, Tiarra Scott with 3 and Tasha Reeves with 2 points.

The 'Lopes hosted Riverview in a nonsection game on Saturday, Feb. 12, and dominated the Raiders 67-32.

With that win Schulz reached another milestone of his career this season, his 500th win overall while coaching at Avonworth.

"It's been nice to have good players, assistant coaches, along with the support of my family, to help me to achieve this," Schulz said later.

Schulz had recorded his 300th win coaching the girls back on Dec. 16.

Against Riverview, Costa led the offense with 22 points, followed by L. Mayernik with 21 points.

Avonworth hosted AAA South Fayette on Monday, Feb. 14, and suffered their third loss of the season.

The Lady ‘Lopes, who led for three and a half quarters, were not able to hold off a late surge by the Lions and were defeated 43-39.

In the first quarter, the 'Lopes managed to overcome a disadvantage on the defensive boards, where the Lions converted second chances for scores.

The teams were tied when Costa knocked down a 3-pointer from the left side that gave Avonworth a 13-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Costa drove the lane for two scores and added a pair of free throws in a 6-2 run early in the second quarter that had the 'Lopes ahead 19-12 with 5:19 remaining.

Presutti's 3-pointer from the right corner somehow banked in for a score, and a basket each by the Mayernik sisters came in the second as Avonworth secured a 28-20 lead at the half.

The third quarter was a defensive battle where the 'Lopes were outscored 5-3 to lead 31-25 going into the fourth quarter.

That's where South Fayette picked up their play, especially on defense, by forcing a couple of turnovers that contributed to a 7-1 Lions’ run to tie the game at 32-32 with 4:45 remaining. South Fayette took the lead off of another 'Lopes’ turnover, but Costa added a pair of free throws, putting the score at 34-34.

The Lions hit on back-to-back 3-pointers then added a free throw to lead 41-34 with :51 remaining.

L. Mayernik's 3-pointer and a two from the stripe by Costa had the 'Lopes behind 42-39, but they would not get any closer.

Avonworth missed on their final shot attempt before the Lions added a free throw to put the final score at 43-39.

"We did a great job on defense but we did not get the job done on offense," Schulz said.

Avonworth was only 2-25 from the field in the second half.