Hoffman soars over Viator in second half

Getting off to one of its best starts this decade, Hoffman Estates' girls basketball team added another win Wednesday night on its homecourt.

The Hawks broke free from a stubborn St. Viator squad in the second half to post a 47-31 victory over the Lions, who were playing their seventh straight contest on the road.

The game was tied at 21-21 just after halftime when Hoffman (6-2) went on a 12-2 run to close out the quarter.

Megan Fischer (11 points) and Alex Wulbecker (5) each scored a pair of buckets during the run.

Junior Colleen Roberts helped the Hawks secure the win as she tossed home three 16-footers in the final quarter for 6 of her 10 points.

The Hawks snapped a two-game losing streak to Mid-Suburban League powers Buffalo Grove and Schaumburg.

"This was probably our worst game all season," said Prospect coach Mike Nocella. "We played a half tonight and even for that half we could have played better.

"Not to take anything away from St Viator. They were very aggressive and played well. But we just didn't have the intensity and we fouled too much."

Roberts, who missed last season with a torn meniscus, is playing for the Hawks' third coach in three seasons.

"At half, we knew we could play better," Roberts said. "We came out with a lot more intensity in the second half and were able to gain the momentum.

"Mr. Nocella has made everything easy on us. He's real easy to play for and has been doing good things for us. We're definitely hoping to have him around for a while."

"He's been real nice and easy with us," added Hawks sophomore Megan Bernardoni. "Just perfect."

Megan Evans chipped in 8 points for Hoffman.

The Lions (1-6) were led by senior Jenny Muench, who scored 11 points and was credited by coach Paul Bjerkness with solid defense on Hoffman's high-scoring Fischer.

"Fisher is a good player," said Bjerkness, whose team was only 8-of-20 at the free throw line. "I thought Jenny Muench did a good job on her and our team did a nice job supporting Jenny. I don't think Fischer is a player that one person can guard."

Senior Kelsey Floyd's 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer tied the game at 19.

"That was a really good half for us," said Bjerkness, whose offense also received 7 points from Tori Callero and 6 from Susan Hohenadel. "We were all feeling good about it but then we scored only 12 points in the second half. That's tough."