The girls basketball team took on the Upper Saint Clair Lady Panthers for their second meeting of the season on Monday, Jan. 31. After another tight game between the two teams, the Lady Hawks once again came out on top. 

The Lady Hawks came out ready to battle by jumping on the Lady Panthers 10-0 to start the first quarter.

“We came out strong from the tip and never let up,” said senior captain Emma Dziezgowski, who contributed 18 points to the victory.

The Lady Panthers fought back to be within seven points of the Lady Hawks at the end of the half.

“It was definitely a game of runs,” said Dziezgowski. 

The Lady Hawks were able to use their defensive strengths to hold the Lady Panthers to 22 points in the second half.

“Our defense was key. Many people contributed, and it was just great overall team basketball,” Dziezgowski added.

The Lady Hawks held onto their halftime lead to beat the Lady Panthers 53-44. 

The girls felt that they had a lot to prove in this game.

Senior point guard and captain Riley Miller, who had 16 points in last night’s victory, said, “I think a lot of people thought the first win against USC was a fluke. We kept the same mentality and it carried us to the win.” 

The Lady Hawks have a positive outlook for the rest of the regular season, and even towards the playoffs.

“As long as we keep working, stay prepared, and have fun, I think that it can carry us through the rest of the season and into the playoffs,” Miller added. 

The Lady Hawks’ next section game is against the undefeated Lady Blue Devils of Mount Lebanon on Thursday, Feb. 3, at Mount Lebanon High School.