Conference action has begun for the Benet Academy girls’ basketball team (6-3, 2-0), and the Redwings won a pair of games last week, topping Saint Viator (3-7, 1-2) and Carmel Catholic (6-4, 1-1).

On Dec. 6 the Redwings beat St. Viator on the road for their first win in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, 63-40. 

Benet Academy wasted no time jumping out to a 23-3 lead in the first quarter. Emilia Sularski hit a three to start the game for the Redwings. They added another bucket, and then Bridget Rifenburg scored on a fast break layup coming off a steal. Benet Academy went up 10-1 on a Lindsay Harzich three, and then 17-1 on another three for Sularski. Emma Briggs had a block in the quarter for the Redwings, as well. At the end of the quarter, Aria Mazza scored on a fast break layup.

In the second quarter the Redwings went up 30-3 on a three by Mazza. They took a 33-8 lead into the half.

Saint Viator outscored Benet Academy 16-15 in both the third and fourth quarters, but the damage had been done, with the Redwings taking a 23 point win. Sularski hit a three in the third quarter for the Redwings.

Benet Academy shot 49% and 33% from three, and held St. Viator to 29% and 22% from three. They led 33-23 in boards, 19-6 in assists, 15-9 in steals and 3-1 in blocks.

Then on Dec. 9 the Redwings took a 28-24 win over the Carmel Corsairs.

Benet Academy went on a run to start the game with Emilia Sularski nailing a three. Maggie Sularski then stole the ball, got it down court, but waited beyond the arc and hit an open three to go up 8-0. The Corsairs scored the next five points to make it 8-5, but Shannon Early was able to come away with a steal. Benet Academy scored the next four points to make it 12-5, and then Lindsay Harzich came up with a steal of her own.

In the second quarter, with the game at 12-5, Aria Mazza stole the ball for the Redwings. Bridget Rifenburg also had a steal with the Redwings up 14-12, in what was becoming a defensive battle.

Benet Academy went on to take a four point win, shooting 24% and 14% from three. They held the Corsairs to 26% and 7% from deep. Benet Academy led 35-28 in boards, 5-3 in assists and 7-5 in steals.

This week the Redwings host Nazareth Academy on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Marian Catholic on Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. in conference action.