The Lady 'Canes started slow and never recovered in dropping a 76-34 non-section road matchup to the Steelerettes.

New Castle (7-11) trailed 21-5 after one quarter and 44-14 at the half.

"We had a nice talk after the game," said first-year Lady 'Canes coach Kara Joseph. "I reminded them the goal is to still get better every day.

"We just need to turn the page. What's done is done. I'm anxious to see what Monday brings."

New Castle (3-6 section) returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Monday when it travels to Central Valley (4-4, 10-4) for a Section 2-4A matchup. The Lady 'Canes are in a must-win situation with three league games remaining and trailing the Lady Warriors by 1 1/2 games for the fourth and final playoff berth from the section. Central Valley won the first meeting, 55-40.

"It's a huge game and emotions should be high," Joseph said. "We know what to expect. I believe in my girls."

Lindsay Frabotta recorded a team-high 18 points for New Castle.

Matyra Evans tallied a game-best 26 points for Farrell (14-2).