Big NVL girls hoop showdown tonight in Bristol

The last two unbeaten girls basketball teams in the NVL meet tonight at 7 in Bristol.
It just so happens that St. Paul and Holy Cross, both 9-1, are rivals. They met in the NVL tournament final last year, a game won by the Falcons. Each team has one loss outside the league, none inside it.
For St. Paul, it begins with Janessa Gonzalez. She always seems to be a threat to get 20 points, but she can also rebound and dish the basketball. Gonzalez has gotten help on the boards from Aidrianna Lopez, and Jade Udoh has also been there.
Holy Cross is led by the 1-2 inside punch of Meah Austin and Aiyana Ward. You can pretty much pencil in a double-double for both of these senior forwards. The Crusaders are happy to have Devan Eason back from injury, as she provides more depth for the pressing style that her team prefers.
There should be plenty of energy and strong play in the gym on Maltby Street tonight. It’s unfortunate that they only meet once in the regular season, but they could certainly see each other again in the NVL tournament.