For The Dialog
NEWARK – Top-seeded Ursuline jumped on Hodgson early in the first quarter and did not let up, cruising to a 54-35 win in the last of four quarterfinal-round games Saturday at the Bob Carpenter Center.
The Raiders started the game with a three-point shot from junior Adrianna Hahn on the first possession, followed by a three from sophomore Kailyn Kampert. Next it was eighth-grader Maggie Connolly’s turn, as she converted an old-fashioned three-point play. Ursuline led, 24-14 after one. The Raiders played their usual suffocating defense, holding the Silver Eagles to seven second-quarter points while forcing 16 turnovers in the first half.
On offense, Ursuline had five three-point field goals in the first half, with the blessing of coach John Noonan.
“We like to force tempo and play fast and we like to shoot,” he said. “Everyone has the green light to shoot and I don’t want them to be afraid to shoot.”
Ursuline continued to play well after the half, opening up a 48-28 lead before slowing down the pace to burn some clock in the fourth.
Hahn led the way with 13 points, while senior Laura Hurff added 11.
Ursuline meets rival St. Elizabeth on Wednesday to determine one of the state finalists. The Raiders will be looking to avenge a loss in the same round last year. The teams will tip following the first semifinal between Caravel and Sanford, who get under way at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and are good for both games. They are available at diaa.ticketleap.com.
