The River Valley Panthers came tearing into Friday's game with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 23.8 points) and they left with even more momentum. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Purchase Line 69-31 at home. River Valley's offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Ava Persichetti was her usual excellent self, scoring 21 points along with eight rebounds and three steals. That makes it eight consecutive games in which she has scored at least 25% of River Valley's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Rylee Kitner, who scored ten points along with eight rebounds and five assists.
Purchase Line's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Anna Layden, who scored six points along with nine rebounds. Bella Cessna was another key contributor, scoring six points along with five rebounds.
Even though they lost, Purchase Line were smashing the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as River Valley only pulled down 27 offensive rebounds.
River Valley's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-2. They've been dominating during the matchups in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 30.33 points. As for Purchase Line, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-5.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. River Valley will wrap up 2023 with a road trip to face off against Derry at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Derry will have to bring their A-game into this one, as they are staring down a pretty big deficit in the MaxPreps Pennsylvania Rankings (they are ranked 452nd, while River Valley is ranked 119th). Purchase Line will wrap up 2023 with a road trip to face off against Blacklick Valley at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Blacklick Valley will be coming into the contest with an undefeated record on the line.
