The Helias Lady Crusaders raced out to a 15-4 lead after one quarter Tuesday night and went on to beat the Blair Oaks Lady Falcons 55-32 at Rackers Fieldhouse.
The game was the season opener for both squads, and it showed in the turnover totals. Blair Oaks had 10 in that decisive first quarter and 26 for the game, while Helias had six in the opening frame on its way to 21 overall.
The teams played to a near standstill in the second quarter, with Helias taking a slim 9-8 advantage to take a 24-12 edge into halftime.
It was more of the same in the third quarter, where the Lady Crusaders outscored the Lady Falcons 16-15 to push the lead to 40-27.
Helias used a hefty 15-5 advantage in the final period to pull away.
Mai Nienhueser led a balanced Helias effort with 14 points. Luci Francka and Olivia Johanns added 11 apiece, while Ellie Rockers had a team-high six rebounds.
Kellie Fredendall was the lone Lady Falcon to reach double digits, as she had 10 points. Macyn Wilbers added eight points and had a game-high 10 rebounds.
Helias is now off until Dec. 5 when it plays Harrisburg at 12:30 p.m. in the Norm Stewart Classic at Columbia College.
Blair Oaks returns to action Monday in the Eugene Tournament. The Lady Falcons are the fourth seed and will play fifth-seeded Tuscumbia at 4:30 p.m.
Because of an early press run, the game was completed after press time Tuesday. For extended coverage, including a full box score, please see Friday morning's News Tribune.