By JIM RUMBLE

In a battle between top ranked teams in AA and section foes, the Avonworth girls basketball team implemented a new defensive scheme to frustrate Sto Rox as the Lady ’Lopes outlasted the Vikings 37-35 on Monday.

The win put the ‘Lopes (10-0), in a tie atop Section 6AA with Aliquippa at 3-0 and a game ahead of the Vikings.

“The kids played phenomenal defense tonight,” said coach Bob Schulz. “We put in a new defense tonight - something totally different from anything we’ve ever done.”

That became evident in the first quarter, where the ‘Lopes held the Vikings without a field goal.

Sto Rox converted a pair of free throws to start the game before Lauren Mayernik’s basket off of a give-and-go from Natalie Zivic and a free throw by Mayernik put Avonworth ahead at 3-2.

Molly Frew’s three-pointer from the right side and a power move inside for a basket by Tara Gallupe completed the 8-0 run that had Avonworth leading 8-2 with 1:48 left in the first quarter.

The Vikings converted another pair of free throws before Catherine Costa knocked down a three-pointer from the left side to put the Lady ‘Lopes in front 11-4 at the end of the quarter.

The ‘Lopes moved to their largest lead when Gallupe’s free throw, followed by a basket down low, had Avonworth up 14-4 near the midpoint of the period.

Sto Rox followed with their first field goal as they managed to work up court through a tough full court press employed by the ‘Lopes defensively.

Gallupe scored on a put-back to give Avonworth another double digit lead, but Sto Rox cut the ‘Lopes lead to 16-9 with 1:35 left in the quarter.

Marissa Milbert answered with a score from the lane before the Vikings added a pair of free throws then hit on a three-pointer just before the buzzer to end the first half with Avonworth up 18-14.

Frew’s three-pointer and Costa’s basket on a follow extended Avonworth’s lead, but the Vikings refused to fold. They took advantage of four Antelope turnovers while converting two three-point plays and outscoring Avonworth 13-3 through the remainder of the quarter to claim the lead at 27-26.

The teams were tied at 30 in the fourth quarter when the ‘Lopes took advantage of a three-point play by Gallupe and a basket by Zivic from 15 feet that gave Avonworth a 35-30 lead with 3:39 remaining.

Sto Rox made good on a three-pointer and Costa responded with a field goal from the left corner, putting the ‘Lopes up 37-33 with 1:20 left.

The teams exchanged turnovers before Sto Rox converted a steal for a basket that cut the ‘Lopes lead to 37-35 with :26 left on the clock.

Gallupe, who was intentionally fouled, missed the front end of a 1-1 and the Vikings took possession. Sto Rox followed with two misses from three-point range before the buzzer sounded to ensure the ‘Lopes’ victory.

“We didn’t play well offensively, but we did enough to win the game,” Schulz said.

He added, “These kids gave us a tremendous effort tonight. I’m just excited - we beat a great team tonight.”

Gallupe finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Costa with 8 points and Frew and Mayernik with 6 apiece.