Girls Varsity Basketball | 2/3/2025 9:12:00 AM

Gabrielle Ziegenbalg had the best game of her career, firing in career highs of 31 points and 9 three-pointers to spark the Union Catholic girls basketball team to a 67-63 victory over Roselle Park on Saturday in Scotch Plains.   

The 31 points by Ziegenbalg brought her within striking distance of a major milestone—she is now just 58 points away from reaching 1,000 career points, a remarkable achievement for the senior guard, who has been the catalyst this season for the Vikings, who raised their record to 14-4.

 Ziegenbalg's poise and leadership on the court and long range sharp shooting secured the win for the Vikings, who overcame an amazing performance from Roselle Park junior Sidney Smith, who scored from all over the floor as she poured in 44 points!! Smith single-handedly kept the Panthers (13-2) in the game with several acrobatic buckets and 6 three pointers! Smith, who averages 34 points per game, surpassed 1,000 career points earlier this season.     

UC sophomore Emily Mattson also had a huge game for the Vikings with 20 points and 2 rebounds and Sophie Peterson made several clutch free throws to seal the victory for UC.

The Vikings are back in action at home on Tuesday for a big Mountain Division matchup with Johnson.