An 11-3 fourth quarter broke open a competitive game, as the Kuemper Catholic girls claimed a 55-41 victory over Creston here Friday to lead off a varsity doubleheader.

Kuemper, now 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Hawkeye 10, barely escaped Creston last month at Carroll, 48-46, and had a less-than-comfortable margin of 44-38 after three quarters.

One critical stretch occurred just before halftime. With Kuemper leading 21-20, sophomore guard Kierstyn Bauyer sank one of her four 3-pointers. A Panther turnover and foul allowed Iowa State recruit Alexis Albrecht to sink two free throws.