The girls’ basketball team survived a close battle at the Ross School tonight, winning 48-41 to improve to 7-1 in the league. After beating the Cosmos 56-31 a little over a week ago, the Bears met a determined team that refused to roll over for the league’s top dog.

After the Brook won a 10-8 opening frame, they pushed the lead to six by halftime. A 16-12 third quarter gave the Blue and White control of the game and they did enough in the final quarter to pull out the win. Natalie Istrati led all scorers with 19 points and completed the double-double with 13 rebounds. The rest of the scoring was well balanced between Jess Winston (9 points/5 assists), Ariana Odom (8 points), Brannon Burke (6 points/20 rebounds), Danielle Pappas (4 points), and Tadiawa Madenga (2 points).

The Bears improve to 7-1 in the league and, with Pierson/Bridgehampton’s loss at Mercy last night, they take sole possession of first place in League VIII. Their next match-up is at home vs. Pierson/Bridgehampton Tuesday February 8 @ 4:30pm.

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