By Matt Smith
First it was the Marple Newtown boys team that won its first state playoff game. It was the girls’ turn Wednesday night.
The Tigers scored the first 11 points in their PIAA Class 5A girls basketball tournament opener against District 12’s St. Hubert and cruised to a 48-27 win at Archbishop Ryan.
The Tigers (20-8) shot 50 percent from the floor, including 5 of 13 from 3-point distance as four players netted at least eight points. Junior point guard Mary O’Brien and senior forward Haley Levy led the way with 13 points apiece. Senior shooting guard Nikki Mostardi chipped in with 11 points and junior forward Brooke Impriano tallied eight.
“It’s so great to finally win our first game in states,” Levy said. “To make it this far, we are having so much fun.”
Marple Newtown will play Delaware County rival Springfield in the second round. The Cougars routed Lower Dauphin in their first-round game, 38-19.