Balanced scoring and sharp shooting from the stripe helped the Newman Comets stave off the visiting Erie Cardinals and keep pace with Prophetstown in the Three Rivers race on Saturday night.

Rachel Hageman led Newman (8-3, 5-0) with 10 points, grabbed seven rebounds and shot 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Mary Alice Oswalt added nine points and three steals for the Comets, who were 14-for-20 at the line as a team but trailed 16-15 at the half.

Erie coach Brian Howell was pleased with 14 points from Courtney Cobert and her sister’s “monster game” for the Cardinals (7-3, 2-3). Rachel, a freshman, had nine points and 20 rebounds.