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MONROE — Kirstie Runion was a senior on a mission Thursday night.

The Cincinnati Christian High School point guard was an all-around force as the Cougars conquered New Miami in the 2007-08 rubber match between the Miami Valley Conference girls basketball rivals.

Runion had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for CCHS, which began Division IV sectional play with a 39-21 victory at Monroe.

"Being a senior, I didn't want this to be my last game," Runion said. "We were just really pumped up for this game. They chose us to play, so that gave us some fuel to punish them for that decision."

Sarah Carroll, Butler County's leading scorer and rebounder, was held just below her averages in both categories by a New Miami defense that focused on double-teaming her in the post.

She still managed 18 points and 11 boards, yet it was Runion who seemed to hurt the Vikings the most.

"I thought they had a great game plan and did a nice job of making Sarah move away from the basket," Cougars coach Ken Bashford said. "But Kirstie really pushed the envelope. They just don't have anybody that can stay with her."

Naomi Byrd chipped in seven rebounds and Taylor Fleming had five for Cincinnati Christian (13-6), which returns to Monroe on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. sectional semifinal against another MVC foe, Cincinnati Country Day. The Indians beat the Cougars 45-42 last month.

"We played better defense than we have played all year — I thought we took them out of their game," said Bashford, praising Runion's efforts against New Miami guard Ashley Rison. "I've really been blessed coaching these kids."

Rison paced the Vikings with seven points. Kim Gault and Lyndsey Davidson both contributed five points and eight boards as New Miami finished 10-11.

"I thought our defense was OK, but we just couldn't score," Vikings coach Dwayne Terry said. "I don't want to take anything away from them. Their defense was good, but a lot of it was us. We didn't execute."

New Miami held a 3-2 edge after one quarter, yet never led again after Runion started the second period with a trey.

The Vikings continue to seek their first winning season since 1994-95, when they posted an 11-9 record.

"I'm happy because 10 wins is great for our program," Terry said. "My girls gave great effort all year. We're only losing one senior (Alicia Miller), so I look for better things next year."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.