Bethlehem Catholic’s girls basketball team opened its season with an emphatic win over Liberty, 68-34, on Dec. 1 at Liberty.

“We were talking about energy, effort, playing together, and not letting up,” said Becahi coach Arnold Alleyne. “These seniors have done it before, and I’m hoping they’ll continue to be good big sisters (to the freshmen). I’m happy the way these freshmen stepped up and were able to fight in this environment. That’s big.”

Senior guard Leah Ault opened up the night’s scoring with a 3-pointer followed by a layup after forcing a steal.

“My teammates opened up the shots for me, like the 3 in the corner, she took the pressure, and I was able to convert,” Ault said. “Our big thing this year is doing better in transition and converting from defense to offense well. We’re working on conditioning, and it showed in the game.”

The Golden Hawks outscored the Hurricanes, 21-4, in the first quarter.

Liberty guard Ava Kopetskie (18 points), who was, at times, triple-teamed, drilled a 3-pointer at the 3:21 mark after teammate DeLaney Foster sank a free throw.

“We had a tough assignment, and I was proud of the girls, the way they showed up,” said Coach Alleyne.

The Hurricanes had an improved second quarter, scoring 13 points to Becahi’s 15.

Chloe Rumelhart and Kopetskie combined for a seven-point run, and Nayaly Torres’ 3-pointer closed out the half.

Becahi’s intensity, however, increased as the game wore on.

Senior Aliyah Brame and freshman Kamryn Gallis had the hot hands for the Hawks with 14 and 25 points, respectively.

Ault, who is a captain, added 13 points.

“My coach trusts me as being a leader on the court, a captain for the team, and I’m grateful that I’m able to fulfill that role well, and to help guide the younger ones,” Ault said. “Like Kam, she’s an amazing freshman, and she’s doing great. She’s fulfilling that starting spot really well, so I think it’s good to have that person who can help her adjust well into a varsity game, and she is clearly adapting well.”

Avaughna Gordon and Ayva Radande are also freshmen who were contributors in the Hawks’ win.

“Thank God we’re able to put in these freshman girls who are able to contribute,” said Alleyne. “These kids have been playing basketball at a high level for a long time, and they’re able to come in and contribute.”