Immaculate Heart Academy, No. 17 in the NJ.com Top 20, pulled off a 52-50 victory over No. 8 DePaul Catholic in a Big North-United Division matchup in Washington Township.
Addison Valdez led Immaculate Heart (12-3) with 11 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Samantha Grella contributed nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Giuliana Huaranga added 10 points, five rebounds, and a team-high six assists in the win.
Stella Broderick contributed 10 points and six rebounds, while Kaylie FitzPatrick added four points and seven rebounds.
DePaul (10-1) was paced by Angelyn Almonte, who scored a game-high 18 points including four 3-pointers. Giovanna Burress added 15 points while Maya Morrison contributed 11 in the losing effort.
The game was tied 18-18 after the first quarter before both teams struggled offensively in the second period. Immaculate Heart trailed 35-33 heading into the fourth quarter but outscored DePaul 19-13 in the final period to secure the victory.
The win keeps Immaculate Heart perfect in division play at 3-0, while DePaul suffered its first loss of the season, dropping to 10-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big North-United division.