Lady Comets handle Berea

By CARL SULLENBERGER

News-Times correspondent

The six-day rest seemed to have done wonders for Amherst. When the Lady Comets returned to the court on Saturday, they warmed quickly to the task at hand and effectively ended any challenge by Berea by the half.

While the Comet offense was very good, the defense was even better, allowing the Braves to score just seven points in the each of the first two quarters and only four in each quarter of the second half.

Julia Porostosky got Amherst on the board again with a foul shot. Bridgette Cruz took turns with Porostosky making baskets giving Amherst a quick 7-3 lead.

By the time the dust settled on the first half Porostosky had nine points, Morgan Madera eight, Melanie Tony five, Marissa Thomas and Cruz had four a piece, and Abby Rositano tagged one from the paint for two.

Cruz had to leave the game early in the second period. Lizzie racked up three quick fouls and had to sit on the bench to save her for the second half.

Even with two starters out, the rest of the squad filled the gap. The key was sealed off and the boards belonged to Amherst with Melanie Tony wrestling down seven rebounds, five in the first half. Taylor came alive and snagged six for the match, Madera brought in four in the second half, Amber Slotta and Porostosky got three each for the game. Claiming a pair of rebounds each were Rositano and Brianna Shagovac. The 32 total rebounds left few for the Braves.

A comfortable 32 -14 half time lead gave the Comet bench more court time, and they used it wisely in the second half. With Berea's offense neutralized, Amherst continued to run up the score. Thomas was on fire with 11 points and the game's only 3-pointer. Madera and Mandy dropped in four points. The four players making three points a piece were Natasha White, Porostosky, Lizzie, and Tony.

At the final buzzer the high score went to Thomas with 15 in the 63-22 victory. Porostosky and Madera tied at 12, and Tony finished the game with eight. Thomas joined Cruz and Lizzie in topping 100 points on the year with 112. Porostosky stands at 97 and should make it a club with four members this week.

Amherst expanded their record to 10-3 and are at 5-3 in the Southwest Conference. The Lady Comets travel to Avon Lake tonight, and host the Bulldogs on Saturday to wrap up the month of January. Though Amherst beat Avon Lake in their first meeting this season the Shoregals (11-3, 5-3) are on a nine game winning streak.