MENDOTA – St. Bede pulled away in the second half and handed Mendota a 48-22 setback in Three Rivers Conference girls’ basketball action on Dec. 2 at the MHS gym.

The Lady Trojans hung around in the first half and were down 22-13 at the break, but St. Bede heated up in the second half and Mendota couldn’t buy a basket. The Lady Bruins pumped in 16 third-quarter points compared to six for Mendota, and then the Lady Trojans were only able to muster three points in the fourth frame.

“We actually jumped out aggressive on offense and had an early lead, but then St. Bede got three second-chance threes and we lost momentum,” said Mendota coach John Hansen. “We played really hard and scrapped, but the offensive struggles and turnovers just ultimately took their toll at the other end. We did some things we haven’t done that I loved, we just have to hope we keep improving and don’t let up.”

Paige Manning topped the team with seven points and four steals. Naitzy Garcia and Emily Stewart chipped in with five points apiece, while Reanna Brant hauled down nine rebounds and Garcia had six caroms.

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Mendota’s scheduled games against Putnam County on Dec. 4 and Hall on Dec. 6 were canceled due to COVID protocols. No makeup dates have been determined.