Rootstown runs past Firestone on opening night 55-21
ROOTSTOWN, OH- The Rootstown Lady Rovers began their 2024/25 Division VI State Runner Up defense on Tuesday night when they hosted the Firestone Falcons in their season opener. It’s a different looking Rover squad in 2025/26 but one that still boasts much talent. It was on full display in their 55-21 win over the Falcons.
The Rovers had a case of opening night jitters to begin this one with some turnovers and careless passes. It didn’t take long for them to right the ship as coach Joe Leonard called an early timeout to settle things down. They responded with a 17-0 run before Firestone scored their first points with Cloe Bengtson, Colbie Curall and Mia Damicone doing most of the damage.
Colbie Curall splashes a three from the corner for the Rovers in the 1st
Rootstown deployed their signature press throughout the 1st quarter leading to multiple turnovers by the Falcons. They would end the quarter scoring the final four points to take a 21-2 lead after one.
The Rovers would score the first six of the 2nd making it a 10-0 run going back to the 1st quarter to take a commanding 25-2 lead. The lead extended to 29-3 after a Curall score inside before Robyn Stevens hit the first three of the night for the Falcons.
Curall scores inside for the Rovers in the 2nd
Firestone would outscore Rootstown 6-4 to close out the 1st half with the Rovers leading 33-9.
Firestone came out firing to begin the 2nd half with another three from Stevens and a bucket by Lizza Blair cutting it to a 33-14 game and prompted a quick Rovers timeout. Following a Bengston steal and layup out of the timeout, Stevens banked in a three making it 35-17. That is the closest the Falcons would get the rest of the way as Rootstown turned up the heat and went on a 14-0 run taking a 49-17 lead. After a Falcon free throw split, the Rovers Addison Pownall scored the final four points of the 3rd quarter giving Rootstown a 53-18 lead.
Addison Pownall with the bucket inside for the Rovers late in the 3rd
Coach Leonard emptied the bench in the 4th quarter giving his JV players some valuable varsity playing time. Rootstown took the opening night win 55-21.
Colbie Curall led the way with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Cloe Bengston added 14 points, 7 steals and 4 assists for the Rovers. Robyn Stevens had a nice game for Firestone with 14 points and four threes.
Up next the Rovers host Lake Center Christian on 12/3.
