MARION — Mt. Vernon Lady Rams’ head coach Jeff Lonnon was apprehensive about having to play Marion a fourth time this season, on the Lady Wildcats’ home floor no less, for a regional championship.

Lonnon’s worries were unfounded.

The Lady Rams bolted to a 22-10 lead after one quarter and never looked back, cruising to an 81-55 win, capturing their third straight regional championship.

Justice Malone scored 15 of her team high 22 points in third quarter as the Lady Rams removed any chance of a Marion comeback by exploding for 31 points. Alaina Maurer and Melaina Zedalis each finished with 13. Kamaree Pollard tallied 12 to make it four in double figures for Mt. Vernon.

Marion’s Jerzy Bittle wrapped up her fantastic career with a game high 28 points. Bittle leaves as the Lady Wildcats’ all-time leading scorer. The Lady Wildcats finished the season 16-16.

Up next for Mt. Vernon (27-6) is a date in the Centralia 3A Sectional semifinals against East St. Louis, who upset Mascoutah 50-47 to win the Mascoutah Regional. That game will be Tuesday night at 7:30.