By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

After a first half that saw each team make a significant run on the scoreboard, it came down to a defensive push in the third quarter that gave East St. John’s LadyCats their 24th win of the season, 44-32 over Ursuline Academy.

In the road game Tuesday, ESJ’s girls squad opened strong, taking an eight point lead after a quarter of play. Ursuline came around in the second period with a 14-6 run that tied the score going into halftime.

But it was after the break that the LadyCats showed their teeth, pressing Ursuline’s offense and holding them to just three points in the period to set the tone. Entering the fourth quarter ahead by five, the ESJ squad turned the pressure back up on the offensive side behind Mechel’le Thomas’ game-high 27 points and rolled to the 44-32 win.

The game was a tune-up for the LadyCats as they are set to start their second round of district play. Undefeated through the first round, ESJ has had close calls against both Hahnville and Ehret. They will have to travel for their rematch with West Jeff, and again for their game in Hahnville set for Feb. 2. But the LadyCats two other 5-5A games will be at the East St. John gym against Destrehan, Jan. 30, and Ehret, Feb. 6.