ADAMS TWP - The Mars girls basketball team entered its game against North Catholic having won 10 straight section games at home.

But the Trojans brought a streak of their own into the contest.

North Catholic made it 13 consecutive wins with a 53-37 decision Thursday night on the Planets' floor.

"I'd say this was one of our best performances this season," said North Catholic coach Bill Larkin.

Mars trailed 36-30 with one quarter to play, but the Trojans posted a 17-7 run in the final eight minutes to account for the lopsided score.

"We knew that to win, we would have to play our best game of the year," said Planets coach Dana Petruska.

Right from the start, the Planets attempted to mask poor execution with a gritty effort - and it worked in the first quarter.

Mars shook off seven turnovers and several missed layups to tie North Catholic 13-13 after one period.

However, North Catholic's Rachel Frederick scored eight of her game-high 17 points in the second quarter as the Trojans slowly began to gain separation from the home team to grab a 29-22 halftime lead.

Mars (14-6, 9-3) threatened several times in the third period after The Planets forced five turnovers and held North Catholic to just two field goals in the quarter.

But behind every positive play for Mars, there lurked a costly turnover or a flurry of missed shots.

Because of that inconsistency, the Planets attempted only five shots from the field in the third period.

"We made sure the girls knew that they had a lot of missed opportunities in this game," said Petruska.

Taryn Adamski and Julie Utz scored 10 points each to lead the Planets.

Mars sophomore guard Cara Hudac collected three personal fouls in the first period, forcing her to spend most of the game on the bench. She fouled out in the final quarter with three points scored.

"A lot of what she does on defense creates things for us on offense," said Petruska. "She's always hustling and making a play, so losing her was really big."

The loss all but ends the Planets' hopes for a second consecutive Section 1-AAA championship.

North Catholic (19-1, 11-1) has given up an average of 36 points in its 12 section games.

"Our defense has been playing very strong," said Larkin. "We've given up the least amount of points in the section.

"The older girls are encouraging the younger players," he added. "They've got a great attitude and it's a great atmosphere this year."

The Trojans' lone defeat came at Knoch Dec. 16.

NORTH CATHOLIC 53

April Austin 4 4-4 12, Rachel Frederick 6 5-7 17, Danielle Cicuto 5 1-1 12, Caelyn DiSanti 3 4-4 10, Susan Joyce 1 0-0 2, Jenna Herbert 0 0-0 0, Amy Longo 0 0-0 0, Colleen Kirby 0 0-0 0, Callie White 0 0-0 0, Alicia Rittle 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 14-16 53.

MARS 37

Abby Marshall 1 0-0 3, Julie Utz 3 3-4 10, Megan Gibson 1 0-0 2, Cara Hudac 1 0-0 3, Alina Hudac 2 0-0 5, Heather Carpenter 2 0-0 4, Taryn Adamski 3 4-6 10, Maggie Bulman 0 0-0 0, Haley Geyer 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 7-10 37.

3-point goals: Cicuto; Utz, Marshall, C. Hudac, A. Hudac.

JV: North Catholic 52-32 (NC-Amy Longo 21 points; M-Kenitz, Pinkerton, Geyer 6)

Monday: Mars @ Kittanning