Nichols beat Sacred Heart in battle of MMA unbeatens
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Nothing went the Sacred Heart girls basketball team's way against Nichols at home last Wednesday.

The Sharks lost to Nichols, 43-34, last Wednesday at the Villa Maria Athletic Center.

"We didn't play well," said Sacred Heart coach Sister Maria Pares. "If we shot 20 percent in the first half, that was a lot. We were not in the bonus at all in the second half. Every time they drove to the hoop, they got a foul."

Meanwhile, Nichols thrived at the free throw line, making 10 of 12 attempts in the fourth quarter. Nichols outscored Sacred Heart, 18-6, in the fourth quarter.

The Sharks led, 21-18, at halftime.

Natalie Coppola led Sacred Heart with 10 points and five rebounds. Krystal Watson scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Devon Hornung added seven points and six rebounds. Hayley Pickett tossed in seven points and three rebounds. Pickett shot 5 of 6 from the foul line.

Kaitlin Donahoe and Brianna Smith each scored 12 for Nichols.

Both teams were undefeated in Monsignor Martin Association league play. Nichols improved to 6-0 with the win. The Sharks dropped to 5-1.

The Sharks, led by a healthy Watson, bounced back with a 56-40 over Mt. Mercy at home on Friday. Mt. Mercy upset Sacred Heart in last year's MMA final.

"We played like we should have against Nichols," said Pares. "We played with good intensity."

Watson had 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Watson has been fighting exercise-induced asthma that led to nausea, said Pares.

"It was like she was a different person," said Pares. "She had all kinds of energy. She was the old Krystal."

Pickett (12 points, three rebounds, assist) and Alycia Pontello (12 points, two rebounds) also scored in double figures for the Sharks. Sam Arena added eight points and two rebounds.

Mary Kate Kubera scored 12 to lead Mt. Mercy.

Sacred Heart (11-4, 6-1), ranked fifth in Western New York large schools, plays Clarence at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

They host Mount St. Mary's at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Villa Maria.