By Eric Stock

Central Catholic opened its title defense with a 61-23 win over Bloomington in the first game of the 34th annual Intercity Girls Basketball Tournament at Normal Community High School.

The four-time defending Intercity champions jumped out to a 23-2 lead in the first quarter and had a commanding 39-9 advantage at the half.

Megan O'Donnell led the Saints with 18 while Molly McGraw added 12. Molly Lawrence topped the Purple Raiders with 6 points.

Central Catholic has won 18 consecutive Intercity Tournament games dating back to 2007.

University High School ran out to a double-digit first-quarter lead en route to a 61-36 win over host Normal Community.

The Pioneers had a 37-15 lead at the half.

Destiny Ramsey led a balanced Pioneer attack with 16 points. Emma Stroyan chipped in 12. Abby bender and Luci Weis were top scorers for NCHS with 9 apiece.

The Intercity Girls Tournament resumes on Wednesday at NCHS. Normal West will open its season against U-High (1-0) at 6 p.m. Host Normal Community (0-1) will battle Central Catholic (1-0) at 7:30 p.m.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.