The Lady Saints had a bitter taste in their mouths after a close loss against Norfolk Christian at home last week, but they quickly put the loss behind them as they traveled to Norfolk Academy and defeated them 53-27 Monday night.

“We lost to Norfolk Christian last week, and we just didn’t play our game,” Lady Saints coach Kim Aston said. “I think it was important to come back and play well against Norfolk Academy. We are still learning to play with each other, so I think that game was a good way to get us started.”

After the first quarter, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy was up 16-8. In the second quarter, the Lady Saints added 12 points and limited Norfolk Academy to three points. For the whole game, the Lady Saints held NA to fewer than 10 points each quarter.

For the game, NSA shot 38 percent from the field including 50 percent from the three-point line. Kelly Hogan had a solid game for the Lady Saints with a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds. Ten of her 18 rebounds were offensive, which was more than NA had as a team. Her 18 rebounds led both teams, while NA had 21 rebounds total as a team.

Logan Harrell added 10 points for NSA. Kaylah Brown added eight points, five assists, and six steals from the point guard position. The Lady Saints totaled 19 steals as a team with three other players having three steals a piece.

“This win was great,” Hogan said. “We meshed together as a unit with a lot of different players making huge contributions. Anytime you have a big win against a tough opponent, it is another step towards a successful season.”

Friday, the Lady Saints will travel to the Washington, D.C., area for a tournament this weekend. It is possible the Lady Saints will play four games in six days. Aston feels like the upcoming competition will be good for the team and the amount of games they are going to play this week will help the team to continue to build chemistry. The weekend games will involve a shot clock — something Aston and the Lady Saints will work on this week.

“We played well Monday night, Harrell said. “I think it is going to help us going into our tournament this weekend.”

Friday through Sunday, the Lady Saints will play St. Anne’s-Belfield, Forest Trail and Trinity Episcopal.

NSA 53        Norfolk Academy 27

Kelly Hogan led the way with 19 points and 18 rebounds.

Logan Harrell added 10 points, and Kaylah Brown had 8 points, five assists, and six steals.