Saucon Valley Girls Lose League Opener

was the site of an anticipated game between Colonial League rivals Notre Dame Green Pond, of Bethlehem Township, and the home team Tuesday night.

Both teams seemed to be suffering from opening night jitters, as the game's first quarter was filled with turnovers, steals and bobbled balls. The Saucon Valley girls managed to stay on top, 13-11, however.

In the second quarter the Notre Dame girls edged out the Panthers in scoring, which led to the game being tied at 21-21 going into halftime.

The third quarter of last night's season opener proved to be the game-deciding period, when the Crusader women rallied to outscore the Panthers 16-8. 

Although the Panthers battled ferociously in the fourth quarter, they could not overcome this deficit, and the Crusader women captured their first win, 49-40.

Leigh Ann Lively led in scoring for the Crusaders, amassing 13 points, five of which came at the foul line. Lively was followed by Brittany Pierzga with 11 points, of which 5 points also came at the foul line. Shannon Moran and Allie Busalacchi each added 8 points to their team's final total.

Karine Polgar led the Panthers' effort with 9 points. Danielle Van Buren and Courtney Laub each tossed in 8 points for the team.

Saucon Valley will next travel to Salisbury, where they will take on the Falcon women on Thursday.