Bench leads Lady Crusaders to opening win


Helias teammates Elizabeth Grothoff (50) and Emma Verslues (44) fight for a rebound during Tuesday's game against Bixby, Okla.
Helias teammates Elizabeth Grothoff (50) and Emma Verslues (44) fight for a rebound during Tuesday's game against Bixby, Okla.

Helias entered this week's State Farm Holiday Hoops Invitational with every intention of using its bench early and often.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was a winning strategy.

The Lady Crusaders' reserves accounted for 30 points as Helias defeated the Bixby (Okla.) Lady Spartans 49-44 in the Invitational's opening round at Rackers Fieldhouse.