Opportunities arose when the Neshannock High girls basketball team hosted Laurel on Monday night.

Three players got their first chance in the starting lineup. Neshannock's Bella Burrelli along with Laurel's Caroline Gibson and Makenna Collins didn't disappoint in the Lady Lancers' 67-52 WPIAL Section 1-AA victory.

Burrelli's opportunity was presented when Laurel (1-5 section, 4-9 overall) played small ball and when Carmie Matarazzo had to deal with foul trouble.

The freshman posted a team-high 18 points and added 14 rebounds, six on the offensive glass, for Neshannock (5-1, 10-2).

"That was a last-minute decision," Neshannock coach Luann Grybowski said. "They started four guards and a post player so we waned to go quicker. Bella has been giving us some good miuntes, she had some more opportunities for shot attempts. Part of that was because Carmie didn't play much. Someone had to pick up the slack. She has a lot of ability, sometimes she stays within herself and tries to do too much.

"But she flourishes, she's just that type of kid and she'll always give you the best effort."

On the other end, the Lady Spartans were forced to start two freshmen in Gibson and Collins because of injuries. Gibson posted a game-high 22 points and added six rebounds and five assists, while Collins contributed four points, five steals and five rebounds.

"I've watched them come through and win two junior high championships," Laurel coach Jessica Shevitz said. "You wonder how long it would take to transition, it took until around Christmas and they haven't backed off since then."

Stephanie Paras added 15 points for the Lady Lancers, nine coming from beyond the arc.