Providence cruises by Queen of Peace

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:56PM

Helping her team to a third place finish at this weekends Geneva Invitational, Providence Catholic's Emily Persak hit two game-winning shots.

In nonconference action Monday in Burbank, the senior guard helped make sure that the game wasn't going to come down to a last second shot for a third time.

With the Celtics already up ten points, Persak exploded in the second quarter with 10 of her 17 points as Providence pulled away for good in a 61-36 winner.

"You just have to stay confident, and stay in the rhythm of the game," Persak said. "You have to keep taking it to the basket and keep on shooting, never give up."

Cassidy Glenn (5 rebounds, 5 blocks) led the way for Providence (5-2) with 18 of her own to go with Persak's 17 points. Alex Shermulis added nine points and Danielle Barry chipped in seven points, eight boards and four blocks.

Holding a 21-11 advantage through one quarter, Providence turned to Persak in the second. Scoring two baskets inside off the Celtics motion offense and adding a 3-pointer and a long baseline jumper, the senior helped extend the lead to as many as 19 in the third quarter.

"It was really important for us to come out with our heads on straight," Providence coach Eileen Copenhaver said. "We did a better job staying even keel from the opening tip."

Giving Persak a rest, Glenn took over the offensive duties in the third quarter. The junior converted back to back three-point plays to go with a fast break lay-up.

"Me and Em know how to find each other really well," Glenn said. "We're learning how to play with each other better, and learning how to find the rest of the team as well."

Queen of Peace (0-6) was paced by Hannah Lipman's nine points to go with seven apiece from Caitlin Hecker and Claudia Smith. Lipman left the game late in the second after taking an elbow to the mouth but was able to return for the second half.

The Pride committed 14 turnovers through three quarters, but a 5-for-10 showing from beyond the arc prevented an early blowout. Lipman finally scored the teams first two-point basket with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

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