By Jim Dolan

Brooklyn Eagle

Fontbonne 53 Bishop Kearney 44

After losing to Kearney (6-1) last month, the Varsity Bonnies (5-1) were eager for a rematch at home against the Tigers.

Playing on a smaller court, where the game is quicker and defense becomes a key factor, the Bonnies were confident that they had a home court advantage. Despite the supposed advantage, Kearney took a 10-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Led by sophomore point guard Kate Oliver (22 points), the Bonnies went on a 15-5 run. Aided by the defensive rebounding of Michelle Moran, Deirdre Lavelle and Kristen Sullivan, Fontbonne took a 24-15 lead at the half. Cindy Henderson (14 points) and Siobhan Sammon (4 points) joined Oliver’s scoring attack to keep Kearney at bay for a 37-29 Fontbonne lead in the third quarter.

Niehve Rivera replaced Henderson, who fouled out early in the fourth quarter. Rivera went on to score a key basket midway through the fourth quarter to give Fontbonne a 10-point spread at 46-36, a lead that the Bonnies would maintain for the win.

“We beat a real good, physical team,” Fontbonne Varsity Head Coach Stephen Oliver said. “We’re beginning to put our quarters together for a win.”