Benet comes back to beat Romeoville

After the holiday Benet began the Montini Christmas Tournament in a bit of a funk.

It didn't last long.

Fueled by a 30-8 second-half run, the Redwings (12-1) overcame a 6-point deficit at halftime to post a 61-43 victory against Romeoville on Saturday.

"We really focused on rebounding after halftime," said senior guard Elise Stout, who led all scorers with 19 points to go along with 8 steals. "We were down on the boards big in the first half. We focused on getting rebounds and fastbreaking."

Trailing 30-24 after the opening 16 minutes, Benet held the Spartans to 8 points in the third quarter, thanks to increased pressure from its full-court press. On the offensive side Stout hit a pair of 3-pointers and Kendal Schramek knocked down a 3 before Kathleen Doyle gave the Redwings the lead for good at 37-36 with a pair of free throws.

"We did a little better job with our pressure and we changed the way we were attacking their zone," Benet coach Joe Kilbride said. "We were able to get the ball inside-out. But a credit to them, especially in the first half. They are a good team."

Samantha Valentine knocked down two from long range to begin the fourth as the advantage swelled to 8. A bucket by Doyle, a conventional three-point play from Stout and a 3-pointer by Clare Prasse left the score at 56-42 and put the game out of reach.

"Everyone on our team can play," Stout said, "and that's the best way to play. It is just a matter of whose turn it is. We can be a big force offensively."

Doyle finished with 14 points, Prasse scored 8 and Katherine Jaseckas totaled 6 points and 13 rebounds. Ali Kramer also hauled down 8 rebounds.

"We were able to get some stops and we were able to run," Kilbride said.

Jahari Smith topped Romeoville with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Alexis Marin also checked into double figures with 10.