Byron Bros. Beauties Win Championship

by Dave Lieben

The Byron Brothers Beauties won their rematch with Island Pharmacy at the Gateway Recreation Center Monday to win the Women's City League Championship. Byron Brothers pulled away early in the second half and held on for a 52-45 victory. Island Pharmacy came out of the loser's bracket to beat Byron Brothers Sunday to force the rematch.

Island Pharmacy's Debi Spigai was on fire in the early going, scoring eight quick points to stake her team to a 14-6 lead. Byron Brothers gradually closed the gap and closed out the half trailing 19-18.

Byron Brothers' Vera James started the second half with two baskets and a three-pointer to help create a 32-22 lead, and Island never got closer than four points down the rest of the game.

Mindy Byron led Byron Brothers with 22 points, followed by James with 18, Deann Karlson with 8, while Morgan Effenberger and Patty Ruaro each pitched in with 2. Sharon Carson and Debbie Patton played tough defense.

Karen Lane led Island with 15 points, Mae Peterson had 12, Spigai added 11, Sharon McIntyre chipped in with 5, and Anita Kotik scored 2 points. Trudi Swink played strong defense off the bench.