On a cold January day, the Sacred Heart shooters went cold too. The Lady Irish of Sacred Heart (10-0, 13-3), however, had just enough offense, coupled with strong defense, to maintain their undefeated conference record, defeating Cathedral High School 32-30.
The Irish found themselves in their toughest game of the season, but, as they had nine previous times previously, found a way to win. Sophia Balaj led the Irish with 13 points, 8 of which came in the second quarter. Emma Dronzek contribued 7 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Colleen Reilly added 4 points, along with Kelly Carlo who scored 6.
Held to just three points in the third quarter, the Irish answered with twelve in the fourth, allowing them to sneak past a Cathedral team that had been, to that point, the Irish's toughest competition. Monday's win places the Irish in the driver's seat for the number one seed on the Westchester/Bronx/Manhattan side of the playoff bracket. As long as the Irish keep winning, they will enter into the playoffs knowing that their games will be played at home.
The Lady Irish are back in action next Friday, January 29, against Saunders High School at 7:00 pm in the 7th Annual Kathy Mayer Tournament.