Photos by Jim Marczesky Heathwood Hall's Kristen Dickerson tries to get the ball by Cardinal Newman's Alex August. The Cardinal defense held Dickerson to six points. August collected a season- high 21 rebounds.

Beth Eckstein had ten points and seven rebounds to lead Cardinal Newman to a 33- 21 victory over Heathwood Hall on Thursday, February 12, spoiling Senior Night for the Lady Highlanders.

Cardinal Newman was in control most of the evening, opening with a 7- 1 run to start the game on the way to leading 14- 6 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Cardinals (12- 10, 6- 4) widened the lead to ten points by halftime by taking Heathwood out of its rhythm offensively. The Cardinals played a slow- paced offense, holding the ball for up to a minute before taking a shot. And even when they took shots and missed, the Lady Cardinals crashed the boards, collecting 47 rebounds, including a season- high 21 by freshman Alex August.

By having to play on defense for long stretches at a time, the Lady Highlanders (12- 13, 6- 4) were off tempo on the offensive end, shooting only 22% (8- of- 36) for the game. Star guard Kristen Dickerson was especially affected by the slow pace, shooting only 2- of- 16 (13%) and ending with only six points.

Senior Beth Eckstein led the Cardinals with ten points.

The win pulled Cardinal Newman into a second- place tie with Heathwood in the region behind Augusta Christian. Hammond defeated St. Joseph's on Friday night to also tie for second place at 6- 4 in the region.

August had seven points to go along with her 21 boards, and Molly Rainwater chipped in nine. Logan Ress tied Dickerson for team- high honors with six points for Heathwood.

Next up for both teams is a trip to the SCISA state tournament, which kicks off Friday, February 20 for the girls.