University used a 32-0 run to turn a tight game into a blowout Thursday night, defeating Seton Catholic 66-22 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The Trailblazers (11-2, 4-0 Pioneer Conference North) struggled out of the gate and only led 7-4 after the first quarter. But University came on strong in the second quarter, forcing a slew of turnovers to turn a 10-6 lead into a 33-6 halftime advantage. Natalie Nickless’ 3-point shooting got the Trailblazers going (12 of her 14 points came on first-half 3s) in the first half, while Lilly Fair was active, pitching in six.
University continued that run at the start of the third quarter, opening with the first nine points of the second half to extend its lead to 42-6 before the Cardinals (2-11, 0-3) got back on the board again. Lindsey Syrek scored 11 of her game-high 16 points in the second half, while Brooke Andrus got into double figures, scoring all 10 of her points in the third quarter. Haley Tomlinson also hit the double-digit mark, scoring 11.
The Trailblazers completed a perfect 4-0 march through the PAAC North division and will host the conference championship game against Bethesda Christian on January 13. University is next in action at the Monrovia tournament Wednesday, Dec. 27 — the Trailblazers play South Putnam in the first round of the four-team tournament, which also includes host Monrovia and Bethesda Christian.
