PIAA-A GIRLS BASKETBALL: Southern Fulton downed by Vincentian Academy in first round

CRANBERRY TWP. >> Heading into Saturday's PIAA Class A first-round game against Vincentian Academy, Southern Fulton's girls basketball team knew it had a big mountain to climb.

That mountain proved to be too steep, and the Lions ran away with an 82-25 victory. Vincentian (26-1) jumped out to a 35-6 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Indians, who finish their season with a 15-11 record, came out ready to play, but didn't have the manpower to stack up against the Lions.

"The coaching staff knew what we were in for when we went into this game," Southern Fulton coach Terry Bard said. "We told the girls that all we wanted from them was to go out and play as hard as possible. They did that. They played hard for 32 minutes and never quit. They could have thrown in the towel."

Olivia Mottern led the Indians with 10 points and four rebounds, and Celina Merchant added seven points. Despite a roller coaster season, the Indians surpassed expectations by reaching the PIAA Tournament.

"If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that we'd make states, I would have called you a liar," Bard said. "I'm so proud of how far these girls have come over these last few months. It's unfortunate that we have to play against this kind of team, but we took everything in stride and just soaked it in."

Brenna Wise led Vincentian with 20 points.

SOUTHERN FULTON (25)

Allison Spade 1 0-0 2, Celina Merchant 1 4-6 7, Lakyn Morton 1 0-0 2, Shaye Smartt 1 0-0 2, Emily Bradshaw 1 0-0 2, Olivia Mottern 3 3-6 10, Lindsey Palmer 0 0-2 0, Tylar Smith 0 0-0 0, Drew Hann 0 0-0 0, Brianne Wawro 0 0-0 0, Madison Baker 0 0-0 0, Kierstyn Morton 0 0-0 0.

Totals — 8 7-14 25.

VINCENTIAN ACADEMY (82)

Wise 10 2-2 22, Griggs 0 2-2 2, Cash 1 0-0 2, Joiner 6 0-0 14, Elliot 5 0-0 11, Muth 4 0-0 8, Very 1 0-0 3, Galbraith 1 0-0 2, Connor 1 0-0 2, Gould 2 1-2 5, Reid 1 0-0 3, Reed Brickley 2 0-0 4, Eyster 1 0-0 2.

Totals — 36 5-6 82.

So. Fulton6739—25Vincentian35181613—82

3-point goals — SF 2 (Merchant, Mottern), Vin 5 (Joiner 2, Elliot, Very, Reid).