ADAMS TWP — Experience vs. inexperience.

The former will win out more often than not, and it certainly did Thursday night.

A veteran Mars lineup was too much for Knoch's youth movement, as the Planets rolled to a 58-23 home victory.

Mars shot 7-of-13 from the field for 54 percent in the first quarter to post a 16-4 edge by the end of the period in the Section 1-AAA clash.

The Planets' starting five consisted of two seniors and three juniors, all of whom saw action in the 2004 WPIAL Class AAA title game: Julie Utz, Alina Hudac, Megan Gibson, Abby Marshall and Maggie Bulman.

Knoch, on the other hand, had five first-year starters on the floor to begin the game.

"We knew Knoch was rebuilding this year," said Mars coach Dave Sylvester. "We wanted to come out and execute the same game plan we would in any game and not have a letdown."

Marshall led all scorers with 16 points, while Utz had 12 and Alina Hudac chipped in with 10.

Junior forward Lizz King's 11 points led Knoch.

"Lizz played hard from start to finish, and that's the kind of effort we need," said Knights coach Curt Vasas. "When you're an inexperienced team, other teams are going to be able to make some runs on you, but you have to keep your composure."

Most importantly for Vasas, the game was another chance for his team to learn.

"Every game is a learning experience," he said. "And the girls are willing to work together to get through it."

The Planets, who played all 10 of their players in the game, move their section record to 5-1, 11-4 overall.

Knoch falls to 2-5 in section play, 6-8 overall.

KNOCH 23

Leanne Wiefling 1 0-0 2, Lizz Ling 5 1-1 11, Ashley MacArthur 2 2-4 6, Kristen Robb 1 0-2 2, Sara Montgomery 1 0-0 2, Megan Gray 0 0-2 0, Ashley Cetnar 0 0-0 0, Pam Gagen 0 0-0 0, Kirsten Brant 0 0-0 0, Sarah Cooper 0 0-0 0. Totals: 10 3-9 23.

MARS 58

Julie Utz 5 0-0 12, Maggie Bulman 2 1-2 5, Megan Gibson 2 0-0 4, Cara Hudac 1 0-0 2, Alina Hudac 4 0-0 10, Abby Marshall 8 0-2 16, Justine Funk 1 0-0 3, Lily Grenci 3 0-1 6, Haley Geyer 0 0-0 0, Jessica Pappas 0 0-0 0. Totals: 26 1-5 58.

3-point goals:

A. Hudac 2, Utz 2, Funk.

JV:

Mars 34-28

Thursday:

Burrell @ Mars; Knoch @ Kittanning