ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Rocky River leveraged a 21-0 run at the outset of an eventual 61-42 win over Lakewood Saturday. Junior Natalie Swallow (20 points) and sophomore Ava Patti (16) combined for 36 points on a strong shooting performance, as the Pirates prevailed in their season opener at Rocky River Gymnasium.
The River Raiders clocked a 23-4 advantage by the end of the first quarter of the Great Lakes Conference contest against the Rangers. The home five led by 19 (34-15) at the half, and River led comfortably the rest of the way.
Rocky River (1-0, 1-0 GLC) had 12 points off turnovers in its 23-4 run. For the game, the Pirates outshot Rangers 42% to 29%. With Swallow (7-of-13 from the field) and Patti (8-of-16) leading the way, River went 25-of-60 from the field, including 5-of-10 from 3-point range. The Maroon & White logged their solid offensive performance against a Lakewood (1-1, 0-1) team that had allowed just 33 points in its first game this season.
The Pirates were a plus on the glass, outrebounding the Rangers 41-33, and in the turnover exchange, committing 23 to Lakewood's 27. An aggressive River defense had 15 steals in the game.
Swallow finished the game with 20 points, a career high bolstered by a 3-of-5 day from beyond the arc. The junior also had two steals and a blocked shot. Patti finished with 16 points, seven boards, and three assists. She had four thefts and a block.
In a game that marked a third straight River win in a season opener, Mackenzie Russell chipped in with five points, six rebounds, and three assists. Kelsey Murphy had nine points and five boards.
With Saturday's win, the defending GLC champion Pirates are now 25-5 (.833) over their last 30 conference games. Rocky River went 12-1 in GLC play last winter.
The Buccaneers are slated to play at Buckeye on Monday.
CANNON FIRE ...
YOUNG BUCS: Rocky River's freshman squad was defeated by Lakewood 40-32. In junior varsity action, the Pirates won 32-23.
CORE FOUR: Rocky River's 2021-22 varsity roster is comprised of four seniors, four juniors, and four sophomores. The Pirate seniors are Lama Ahmed, Kelsey Murphy, Sophia Murray, and Taylor Spies. ... With Saturday's victory and dating back to 2019, the Double-R is 13-1 over its last 14 games at home. The Pirates went 7-1 at the Corner of Wagar & Detroit last season.
BRIDGE BATTLE: After dropping six straight to the Rangers from 2014-19, Rocky River has now taken back-to-back games from Lakewood. The Pirates downed their neighbors to the east 55-36 last season (Dec. 19). Since 2012, River is 4-8 over 12 games against LHS.
by Skip Snow
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