Lyle/Pacelli girls’ basketball uses late 10-1 run to close out Bethlehem Academy 48-35

Olivia Christianson poured in 34 points, including going 10-11 from the free-throw line, plus she helped to key a 10-1 Lyle/Pacelli run to close out their non-conference game with Bethlehem Academy in Lyle Tuesday night in a 48-35 win.

Christianson scored 18 of LP’s 27 first-half points as the Athletics led by as many as nine on their way to a 27-20 halftime lead.  The Cardinals refused to go away, however, and a three-pointer by freshman guard Reagan Kangas with just under 4:00 left to play cut Lyle/Pacelli’s lead to 35-34.  The Athletics had a quick answer when Rachel Nelson drilled a three on the ensuing possession, her only points of the game to boost LP’s lead back to four at 38-34.  Lyle/Pacelli then went into lockdown mode as they finished the game with a 10-1 run and played stout defense down the stretch to help themselves to the 48-35 win.

Besides yet another big night scoring for Christianson, Kearah Schafer finished with seven points, Rachel Nelson scored three points while Olivia Heard and Emma Wilde each added two points in the win for Lyle/Pacelli, who also helped their cause by going 14-17 from the free throw line, or 82%.

The Athletics move to 5-17 on the season with the win, and they are back into action Friday night in Houston versus the Hurricanes in a Southeast Conference matchup, with the varsity tip-off at 7:15 p.m.