New Castle opened with a 12-2 run and cruised to a Section 2-AAA win over Center.

The Lady ’Canes (6-1, 15-2), ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, clinched a playoff spot with the victory.

“You want to be happy with any degree of achievement,” New Castle coach Jason Rankin said. “It means we’re playing for seeding and a possible section championship.”

New Castle is one game behind Hopewell (7-0, 18-0) in the standings. The Lady Vikings are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AAA.

Christina Talbert led all scorers with 19 points on 8-of-8 shooting for the Lady ’Canes. Talbert also recorded eight assists and six steals.

“Christina was able to pressure their offense and she used her quickness very well,” Rankin said. “She’s getting better every day.”

Kaylynn Waters chipped in with 17 points for the winners, while LaShauna Brothers added 16 markers and seven rebounds. JaNia McPhatter tossed in 15 points with six rebounds and five steals.

Elle George led the Lady Trojans (1-6, 4-11) with nine points.

New Castle built a 49-20 halftime lead and drained 10 3-pointers in the contest.

“We came out a little bit sluggish but we were able to get some steals and force some turnovers and set up some easy baskets,” Rankin said.