Smothering defense propels Faith Christian to third girls hoops win

Faith Christian Academy used a suffocating 3/4-court defensive press to build a 16-2 first-quarter lead on its way to a 38-26 varsity victory over St. Laurence School on Wednesday at FCA.

Faith's 1-3-1 zone defensive pressure forced several first-quarter turnovers and low-percentage shots that the Falcons capitalized on with quick-striking fast breaks for easy baskets. Jessica Smith and Anneliese Lockner scored six points apiece in the quarter, while Grace Hansen added 4 and Samantha Nosewicz had 2. Lauren Caprini swiped 4 steals in the quarter while Jessica and Anneliese had 2 apiece and Samantha 1, and Lauren added 3 assists with 1 each from Anneliese and Jessica.

St. Laurence trimmed the lead to 22-17 at halftime before FCA stretched its lead to 30-20 in the third quarter and as much as 38-24 in the fourth quarter.

The Falcons improved their season record to 3-2 with the victory.