That was the case Monday night when the young and improving Bald Eagle Area girls basketball team welcomed in returning PIAA champion Bishop Guilfoyle in Laurel Highlands roundball action.

The Marauders came into the game with an undefeated and unblemished record. They showed why they were without a loss as their depth was a force to be reckoned with, putting together a 60-8 defeat of the Eagles.

Bishop Guilfoyle’s Morgan Ruggary led the way a game-high 14-point effort. She was the lone double-digit scorer on a scoresheet that saw ten players put their names in the scorebook.

Bald Eagle Area was led by Eve Heisel, who hit a triple early in the game. Rounding out the scorers were Danyka Smith and Kinsey Clark, who both added two while Lily Harter went one-of-two from the free-throw line. Harter also had an early block.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Addison Mottin (5) works against a defender during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

Despite being outsized on the court, Bald Eagle was able to pull down 15 hard-earned rebounds throughout the night.

“They play with effort all the time. They don’t quit. They give me eight minutes a quarter. They don’t quit. They are good girls,” said Bald Eagle Area coach Mike Habovick when asked about his team battling to the final moments.

“This year, we are trying to have fun and learn a little basketball. That’s what we’re here to do. When BG comes to town, you know you’re in for a dogfight. That’s a good team. That’s a good coach.”

In the first quarter, the Marauders went right to work, as they worked from inside out opening up an early 14-0 lead.

Bald Eagle was able to get on the board on a triple from Heisel, cutting it to an 11-point deficit. But Bishop Guilfoyle went right back to work, added an 11-0 run to end the first quarter outscoring the Eagles 25-3.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Charlotte Gavlock (1) looks to pass the ball during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

Things continued to roll for the visitors in the second quarter, as they posted a 22-point stanza while their defense once again allowed just three points for Bald Eagle Area. Those points came from Smith (2) and Harter (1).

Going into the intermission, the Marauders held the upper hand leading 47-6.

In the second and third periods, the Lady Eagles tightened up its defense allowing single digits in both periods for BG. However, Bishop Guilfoyle also tightened allowing just two free throws by Clark and shutting the Eagles out through the fourth, ending the contest with a 60-8 victory.

Bald Eagle Area (2-7) returns to action on Friday, where it’ll travel to face Bishop Carroll on the road. That game is set for 6 p.m.

Bishop Guilfoyle 60, Bald Eagle Area 8

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Kinsey Clark (24) drives to the basket during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

BISHOP GUILFOYLE (60)

Layona Williams 2 0-0 5, Gia Adams 3 0-0 7, Hannah Homan 1 0-0 3, Kate Seidel 1 0-0 2, Morgan Geishauser 1 0-0 2, Kayla Bianconi 2 0-0 4, Bella Bianconi 2 0-0 6, Morgan Ruggary 6 1-1 14, Anberlyn Petrecca 1 4-4 7, Stella Yeskey 2 1-2 5, Mary Haigh 2 0-0 5. Totals 23 6-7 60.

BALD EAGLE AREA (8)

Danyka Smith 0 2-2 2, Kinsey Clark 0 2-6 2, Lily Harter 0 1-2 1, Eve Heisel 1 0-0 3. Totals 1 5-10 8.

Bishop Guilfoyle 25 22 9 4 – 60

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Danyka Smith (12) looks for a pass during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

Bald Eagle Area 3 3 2 0 – 8

Three-point shots: Bishop Guilfoyle 7 (B. Bianconi 2, Williams 1, Adams 1, Homan 1, Haigh 1). Bald Eagle Area 1 (Heisel 1).

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Madily Mottin (3) dribbles the ball during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Lily Marter (41) looks for a pass during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Kinsey Clark (24) dives for a loose ball during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle Area's Charlotte Gavlock (1) dribbles toward the basket during a girls basketball game against Bishop Guilfoyle on Monday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Bald Eagle Area. The Eagles fell 60-8.