McIver & Iaciofano Lead Girls to Hot Start

McIver 20 against McNick

22 against Glen Este

by Chris Shoals

LOVELAND, OHIO - It was looking good just 3 minutes into the game at Loveland High School on December 2 as Loveland jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead on McNicholas, and by the end of the first quarter, it was 22-11.

Loveland was able to control everything including the paint, the clock, and the free throw line. Loveland shot 70% from the charity strike, making the game much easier for the Lady Tigers to maintain the lead.

Abby McIver led the game with 20 points and a solid 7-9 from the free throw line. She was complimented by the guard play of fellow senior Ellie Iaciofano who contributed 16 points of her own. Loveland crashed the glass all night leading the rebounding category by a whopping margin of 53-23.

Mc Nicholas closed the gap after halftime, making the score 43-39 at the conclusion of the third quarter, led by good shooting from the Rocket’s Lauren Mazzaro.

However, Loveland pummeled the Rockets in the fourth quarter by playing solid defense and outscoring Mc Nicholas 24-7. McNick did not make a field goal for the final 10 minutes of the game. That is a true testament to the solid defense of Emily Holzderber, Ali Dee, and Alex Kamm, who had a game of her own, adding 11 points to the Tigers total of 67.

McNicholas had been ranked #1 in the Division II-IV pre-season coaches’ poll.

Loveland took their record to 1-0 with a final score of 67-47.

The Lady Tigers would improve to 2-0 with a 56-44 win over Glen Este on Saturday afternoon. McIver again lead the way with 22 points, and 8 rebounds. Iaciofano also added 11, and Presley Benzinger hit some key three’s, accumulating to a 10 point effort form the Junior.

The Lady Tigers took control after halftime outscoring the Lady Trojans 20-11 in the third quarter.

Loveland had the lead for the final 22 minutes of the game, and really had no trouble defending Glen Este all afternoon.

The Tigers were 6-14 from 3 point land, leading to a good night of overall shooting.

Loveland will next face Little Miami on Wednesday evening at home, and then travel to Anderson for a mammoth game vs. the Redskins that could give Loveland the keys to the division championship driver’s seat.

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