The Montini Catholic girls’ basketball team (6-4, 1-2) has struggled of late after starting the season 6-0, losing the last four games including a tough 52-46 loss to the Hersey Huskies(8-4, 2-0).

The Lady Broncs took on John Hersey in the Exam Jamm College Showcase on Dec. 12, taking a 52-46 defeat.

John Hersey jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first quarter, highlighted by strong defense by Kate Donovan and Annika Manthy, who had a steal and a block respectively in the opening frame. The Huskies continued to dominate in the first half, going up 23-6 and 27-12 in the second quarter.. Manthy had two more blocks in the second quarter.

However, the Lady Broncs battled back and in the third quarter they found themselves within six, down 34-28. Manthy’s strong defense continued with another block, and Kiki Craft had a block, as well.

Down 43-36 the Lady Broncs were threatening to make it a five point game, but Craft stole the ball near the hoop to give the Huskies possession. They went up 45-36 and Montini Catholic was going for a score, but Ava Harwood rejected a shot to keep it a nine point game. On the next Lady Bronc possession, Donovan came away with another steal to thwart another scoring chance. John Hersey was able to hold on the rest of the way for the six point victory.

Montini Catholic shot 32% and 23% from three. John Hersey shot 40% and 78% from the free throw line, but they did not make a three. Montini Catholic failed to make a free throw. The Huskies led 41-24 in boards and 6-0 in blocks, but Montini had a 15-13 assist advantage, and 10-4 in steals.

Victoria Matulevicius was one of the players of the game in the contest for Montini Catholic, leading the Lady Broncs with 18 points. Nikki Kerstein also hit double figures with 12 points. Lily Spanos had nine points, Alyssa Epps had three points, and Lauren Mellish and Audrey Kinney each had two points.