Pivotal fourth quarter leads PCA
girls hoop team over Greenhills

Jan. 27, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

  Four-point third quarters often prove to be obstacles too great to overcome for many high school girls basketball teams.

  That wasn't the case for Plymouth Christian Academy Tuesday night as the Eagles followed up a shaky third stanza with a dynamite fourth on the way to a 51-42 victory at Ann Arbor Greenhills.

  The triumph lifted the Eagles to 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the incredibly competitive Michigan Independent Athletic Conference's Red Division.

  "Our pressure defense was one of the keys," said PCA coach Carol Gerulis. "It led to some easy points at the other end. We received some pretty balanced scoring, too."

  The Eagles were led by sophomore Kristin Malcolm, who tallied 14 points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots. Brianna Harris sparkled as well, registering 12 points, five assists and four steals.

  Freshman Karen Windle flirted with a triple-double as well, racking up nine points, five rebounds and six steals.

  "Karen played awesome defense tonight, too," Gerulis said.

  The Eagles led 17-10 after one quarter and 30-21 at the half. The Gryphons got back into the game in the third quarter, cutting their deficit to 34-31 with eight minutes to play, but PCA weathered the storm in the end.

  Leah Topper paced Greenhills with 16 points. Rachel Darrabie scored 11 points for the Gryphons.

  PCA overcame a 4-for-12 night at the free throw line. Greenhills nailed 6 of 9 freebies.

  The Eagles will host Southfield Christian Friday night at 7:15 p.m. in the first game of a "Homecoming" doubleheader with the boys team. The second game will commence approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the girls contest.