The opening half of the opening game of the 2016-17 season spoke volumes.

As it was Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart's girls basketball team, which played for the Class D state title last March, opened the season on the road a couple weeks back.

In that contest the Irish defense created over 30 turnovers and at one point in the first half it created nine straight before the opponent could even get past half court.

In short it became glaringly obvious early on that SHA was going to be a great defensive team and through five games that's exactly what is happening.

On Monday night the Irish hosted long-time rival Beal City and they were up to it again as they forced the Aggies into 20 turnovers on the night en route to a 62-17 victory.

"One of the things we really focus on is setting the tempo and controlling it on both ends of the floor," said SHA coach Damon Brown, whose team improved to 5-0 via the victory. "With our athleticism and quickness we're able to do some things in the full court that maybe we haven't done in some time. It's nice to see us get up there and keep the pressure on."

In the first quarter alone Monday the Irish forced 11 Beal City (1-5) turnovers which led directly to a 16-2 lead. From there the Irish put the game out of reach as they led 29-8 at the half.

"Our defense dictates our offense and it's exciting to watch how we're playing right now because they're aggressive and confident," Brown added.

For the season the Irish are averaging 58 points per game while allowing only 23 which speaks to the tenacity that the Irish bring nightly.

"We only have eight girls but they have all bought in and have played their role," said Brown. "I was wondering if they would be able to play this way for an entire game and they have done it for five straight games."

Junior Sophie Ruggles, who was battling the flu Monday, turned in a career night in the win as she finished with 31 points, six rebounds and six steals. Her 31 points is the fifth-most in a single game in SHA history.

Sophomore Scout Nelson also had a night as she finished with 19 points, seven assists and four steals. Hadyn Terwilliger also had seven rebounds while Grace Reetz had seven points.

"Sophie has committed herself to being the best player she can be and I thought she played great tonight," Brown added. "Every person on this team has a role and Sophie and Scout might get a lot of press but every single player is important. We're a team."

Alexandria Fussman led the Aggies with seven points while Mackenzie Schneider had five points, three boards and three steals. Ashley Reihl also added in five boards, two assists and two steals.