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Marshall controlled its Jan. 9 girls varsity basketball matchup against McLean from the opening possession, repeatedly stopping the Highlanders’ comeback attempts while building a decisive 24–10 advantage.

McLean entered the game without junior point guard Cora Stevens, who was sidelined by a leg injury. The Highlanders quickly fell behind before junior Karine Najarian made their first basket to tie the game at 2–2.

Marshall answered with a three-pointer and used defensive pressure to disrupt McLean’s rhythm. The Statesmen finished the first quarter ahead 5–2.

The lead grew to 8–2 early in the second quarter as McLean struggled to turn possessions into points. The Highlanders cut the deficit to 8–4 midway through the period, but another Marshall three-pointer halted their momentum.

Disciplined play allowed the Statesmen to carry a 13–6 lead into halftime.

“We were trying to stay locked in and not let the early run define us,” sophomore point guard Emilia Alecsic said. “It felt like we were rushing some things, especially in the first half.”

McLean returned for the third quarter with greater urgency. Freshman Elizabeth Burnison scored to make it 13–8, prompting Marshall to call a timeout.

The Statesmen responded at the free-throw line, but McLean kept pushing and narrowed the margin to 16–10 with more active defense. Just as the Highlanders appeared ready to make another run, Marshall connected on a late three-pointer and ended the quarter ahead 19–10.

Alecsic helped organize McLean’s offense during the stretch, moving the ball and creating opportunities for teammates even as points remained difficult to find.

Marshall extended its advantage to 21–10 early in the fourth quarter. The Statesmen slowed the pace, maintained control and eventually pushed the score to 24–10, leaving McLean without enough time to recover.

“We didn’t stop competing, even when the score wasn’t in our favor,” Alecsic said. “Games like this are tough, but they show us where we need to get better, and that’s important for the rest of the season.”

McLean has several games remaining, including a Feb. 2 rematch with Marshall and another opportunity to challenge the Statesmen.