Photo by Cody Tomer Wheeling Park’s Lindsey Garrison goes hard to the lane, while University’s Eden Gibson defends during OVAC semifinal action on Monday.

WHEELING — University and Wheeling Park staged two close games earlier this season, with the Patriots escaping with 1- and 7-point triumphs, respectively.

Such was not the case in Monday night’s OVAC Class 5A semifinal game at The Palace on the Hill. Park used an impressive first quarter in building a double-digit lead it would never relinquish the balance of the night, rolling to an impressive 67-48 triumph.

“Overall, I thought it was a good performance. University is a quality opponent. They gave us two good games this year,” Park coach Ryan Young said.

The win was the 18th in 20 starts for the state’s No. 1-rated Class AAA team. More importantly, it punches the Patriots’ ticket into Saturday’s OVAC championship game at noon against Indian Creek at Ohio University Eastern.

Creek defeated Park at Wintersville in their lone meeting this winter.

The loss dropped University to 11-7 on the campaign. The Hawks are rated No. 10 in the state.

The win also helps Park avenge an OVAC semifinal home loss to University last season. The Hawks went on to win the conference championship.

Young’s battle-tested squad bolted to a 22-11 lead after the opening eight minutes to gain firm and game-long control. Guards Shanley Woods and Asia Roby fueled the quick start with seven points each.

Roby and Lindsey Garrison each delivered a pair of treys in the second quarter as the Patriot lead mushroomed to 42-23 by intermission. Woods nailed three bonus bombs in the third frame, enabling the hosts to maintain a 56-40 cushion entering the final chapter.

University never got closer than 12 (50-38) in the second half.

Park finished the night with 11 3-point goals. The winners were also an impressive 16 of 18 from the charity stripe. The Patriots, however, were somewhat sloppy taking care of the ball, committing 18 turnovers.

“We have been a good foul shooting team all year. We shoot around 70 percent from the line,” Young said. “We do need to clean up a few things such as rebounding and taking care of the ball. When we do that we will be fine against quality teams.

“We still need to play four solid quarters. I thought we played a real good first half. We got a little complacent in the second half. We didn’t take care of the ball well and we fell asleep on defense at times. With a big lead it changes how you play.”

Woods turned in a superb effort. The senior sharpshooter netted a game-high 26 points, including four treys and six of six at the line. Roby was also impressive, tallying 14 points to go with strong board play.

Junior ace Bella Abernathy was saddled with early foul issues. She still found time, however, to score eight points and grab seven rebounds.

Garrison ended with nine tallies while hard-playing senior Kieran Johnson produced six points and a like number of boards.

“I was real happy with our bench play (Monday). Jai’lah (Walker), Maggie (Stakem) and Zariah (Marling) all made positive contributions,” Young said. “They don’t necessarily need to score. They provide us all the things we need. When they play like they did (Monday) they make us a much better team.”

Senior forward Mallory Napolillo powered her way for 15 points to pace the Hawks. Ashten Boggs was next with 12 counters.

“It will be fun going to OUE to play for an OVAC title,” Young said. “It is a great atmosphere and it helps prepare you for the postseason.”

Park last won the conference crown in 2017. The Patriots boast 13 OVAC championships, second most in conference annals behind St. John Central’s 15.

The Patriots again played without the services of senior dynamo Abby Snedeker, sidelined with a hand injury.