Girls Basketball - Penn-Trafford vs Hempfield

Late Burst Powers Hempfield Girls to 56-45 Non-Conference Win at Penn-Trafford

The Hempfield Lady Spartans used a 13-2 run in the final minutes to secure a 56-45 non-conference win as the first game of a girls and boys doubleheader at Penn-Trafford. 

Both teams opened the game firing away from behind the 3-point arc. Six of the first seven scoring plays from the field were 3-pointers, as Hempfield had a 12-8 lead with just over 4 minutes played in the opening quarter. The Lady Spartans opened a 16-8 advantage after one period, and matched their scoring total from the opening quarter in the second to to take a 32-22 lead to the locker room at halftime. Hempfield's Jessica Persin was a perfect 6 for 6 from 3-point range in the first half. 

The Lady Warriors clawed their way back into the game in the second half, narrowing the gap to 43-39 after three quarters. Hempfield's scoring drought continued for over 4- 1/2  minutes in the final quarter, as Penn-Trafford fought back to tie the game at 43. That's when Hempfield senior Sarah Liberatore hit a trey with just under 3 minutes to play, setting the Lady Spartans off on their 13-2 run over the final minutes while Penn-Trafford's shooting went cold, and Hempfield cruised home with the 56-45 win. 

Jessica Persin finished with 20 points for Hempfield and Sarah Liberatore added 18. The Warriors' Bella Long led all scorers with 24, including four 3-pointers. 

Hempfield's record improves to 8-10, with Penn-Trafford moving to 10-9. Both teams are back in action with conference games on Thursday. Next up for Hempfield is a home game against Peters Township. Penn-Trafford has a home game with Woodland Hills.         

Watch this link for a full gallery of action photos available for purchase or sharing the day after the game.