Meeting their arch-rival for a 4th time this year, top-seeded Saint Elizabeth entered their 2nd DIAA Tournament opener with some nerves, but left with a convincing 51-28 win over Ursuline.
After winning the three regular-season meetings by 10, 2, and 9 points, including a triple-overtime battle at the Diamond State Classic, there was reason to believe this could be closer than your typical No. 1 vs. No. 17 game.
Early on, Ursuline showed why, as they came out with tenacious defense with Emily Rzucidlo flying around for lay-ups and Avery Burns getting a basket to put them ahead 13-9 after the opening quarter.
The shots stopped falling though, and once they did, Saint Elizabeth took complete control.
Saint Elizabeth went on 16-0, 6-minute run, sparked by a three-pointer and block from Ashley Campbell, to secure a lead they'd never relinquish. When Julie McCarron scored off a Campbell pass, they took a double-digit lead they'd have the rest of the game.
Arianna Henry played a big role for the Vikings, as she hit a couple of key three-pointers in the third quarter as the Raiders started to show signs of getting back into the game, and Campbell's shot early in the 4th quarter put the lead at 22, and the Vikings were safe.
Henry's 15 points led the way, with Ber'Nyah Ward-Mayo dropping 12 points for Saint Elizabeth. Next up is a showdown with Cape Henlopen, a team they defeated 59-50 in Lewes during the regular season.
Emily Rzucidlo led Ursuline with 9 points.
