Lady Hounds buried early in loss to Sion

A running clock was never utilized in Monday night's girls game between Maryville and Notre Dame de Sion at MHS Gymnasium.

Given how the first five minutes unfolded and how well Sion shot the ball from three-point range, that's something the Lady Hounds had to feel good about.

After giving up the first 15 points, Maryville played Sion dead-even the rest of the half and hung tough most of the second half despite a barrage of three's from the Storm in a 70-46 loss.

Sion got its lead up to 20 in the second quarter, but it took until the end of the third quarter for it to remain there.

The Hounds, who fell to 5-11 and lost for the fourth straight time, held their own for a prolonged stretch when it looked early on like they were going to run out of the gym.

"It's kind of disappointing, but also it's encouraging," said Maryville head coach Grant Hageman. "We were a little intimidated. I think we came in looking at their height. We knew from last year they had some good shooters and I just thought we came out very timid and hesitant. They got to come out and never back down from any opponent. That's the thing we learned tonight."

Sion prevented the pesky Lady Hounds from ever making a serious charge by knocking down 11 three-pointers.

Senior Grace Keane and freshman sister Camille Keane combined to hit seven of them.

Grace led the Storm with 17 points and Camille netted 15.

Junior Kristen Murphy (12 points) and Jodie Rellihan (10 points) were also in double-figures.

"We've had games where we've made 12 three's and several where we've made 11 with our older teams," said Hageman. "I know how hard that can be to match up against. If one girl is not hitting, you just pass it to the next girl."

Maryville hit six three's of its own and finished with a hearty total of 46 points despite a 5:07 drought to begin the game.

Senior guard Blair Twaddle made 4-5 from long range and finished with a game-high 18 points. Chelsea Byland (nine points) and Ann Coleman (seven points) were the other top scorers.

This was Twaddle's fourth consecutive game scoring in double-figures. She had 20 in Maryville's 48-45 loss to Bishop LeBlond Friday night.

"It's confidence," said Hageman. "Confidence is everything. She knows she has to step up and her strength is shooting. That's her role is to be a senior and make big shots. She's always had it in her. The difference is now she knows that she has the ability to do what she's doing. She's an absolutely fantastic player. It's exciting to watch her play and she's become a leader."

Twaddle made her first two three's in the opening quarter and her second one brought Maryville within nine at 17-8.

Sion finished the quarter ahead 21-10.

In the second quarter, Sion extended to a 33-13 lead with 4:07 left. Maryville used Twaddle's third three of the half to close within 15 by halftime.

The Hounds came as close as 16 points in the third quarter on a three by Byland.

Three's by Grace and Camille Keane put Sion ahead 52-30.

Camille scored 10 of Sion's first 12 points of the fourth quarter. Her fast break layup give Sion its largest lead of 64-36.

The Storm tacked on another three in the closing seconds to hit 70 points, a first by an opponent against Maryville this season.

Maryville is back home tonight to play Lafayette in an MEC game.