STEUBENVILLE — The Catholic Central girls’ basketball team picked up a big win against Bishop Rosecrans.

The Crusaders built a double-digit advantage at end of the first quarter and did not look back en route to a 62-37 victory Monday night inside the Mickey Barber Gymnasium.

“It was an excellent night,” Catholic Central (10-6) head coach Rocky Bragg said. “It was an important win. We are trying to clinch the top spot in the OVAC in Class 2A. River is hot on our heels.

“This was a big victory for us. We are trying to secure first place, and the girls delivered. The girls are working hard. We tried some new things defensively. They still need work, but tonight was constructive for us.”

The Crusaders raced out to an 19-6 lead at the end of the first quarter against the Bishops (4-12), and the girls from Jefferson County extended their advantage to 37-20 at halftime.

“We had the chance to play them in the first round of the sectionals last year,” Bragg said. “I reviewed that film, and I got film from some of their competitors. We were prepared.

“We mixed up our defenses. Offensively, we wanted to push the ball up the court and get clean looks from the perimeter.”

The Blue-and-Gold built a 23-point lead in the third before taking a 48-32 lead into the fourth. The hosts outscored the visitors from Muskingum County, 14-5, in the fourth to account for the final score.

Natalie Cherepko collected a game-high 22 points to lead the way offensively for the girls in white, while Mary Rohde and Mara Delaney each delivered 14.

Abby Saggan netted 19 points to lead the way offensively for the girls in red.

“This is our 10th win,” Bragg said. “It is great to get it at this point in the season. The girls are excited. There’s a good feeling in the locker room. We have got a busy week. We play four games. We are not looking past anyone.

“The girls are working hard. They are hustling after the 50-50 balls. We had the opportunity to get some good shots.

“Natalie Cherepko did a tremendous job tonight. Mara Delaney did a good job shooting the ball. Aurie Hoover hustles. Her contributions are often overlooked. Her grit comes up big in tight games.

“Our bigs played well. They are strong in the post, and our bigs were up to the challenge. Everyone did their job. “

The meeting to set the pairings for the upcoming OVAC Tournament will be held today.

Bishop Rosecrans is scheduled to play Berne Union at 6 p.m. Wednesday on the road.

Depending on the water situation, Catholic Central is slated to play rival Madonna at 7 p.m. Wednesday night on the road inside the Bill Barrett Gymnasium.

“It will be their senior night,” Bragg said. “They are also honoring Mike DelRe with a plaque. Mike DelRe is a good friend of mine. He started girls’ basketball at Madonna. We’re looking forward to being a part of the evening.”