Senior Latoy Long poured in a game-high 14 points to lead the No. 4 seeded Arundel girls basketball team to a 57-45 victory over fifth-seeded North County last night in the Class 4A Region IV quarterfinals.

The Wildcats (15-8) received additional scoring support from guards Mary Pat Fannon and Alina Smith, who finished with 12 points each.

Arundel will advance to tomorrow's 7 p.m. semifinal round againsttop-seeded host Old Mill.

Arundel had its opportunities to end things early but allowed North County to escape the first quarter unscathed despite the Knights' dismal six-of-21 performance from the field.

Arundel coach Lee Rogers used his reserves midway through the second quarter, but instead of suffering from lack of experience, the Wildcats prospered. With his five starters on the bench, the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run and took a 29-18 lead following a Sara Carson layup.

A pair of follow-ups by Joy Farmer and a steal and ensuing layupfrom Tonya Kolodziejski enabled the Knights (12-10) to close the gap, but they still trailed by eight at the half, 31-23.

North County's defensive pressure, which didn't faze Arundel in the third quarter, started to take its toll on the Wildcats in the final quarter.