Contributing writer
Although the Goessel girls jumped out to a 7-2 lead, the Bluebirds had to try to catch up to Inman in Friday’s game.
Alicen Meysing opened the game with a lay-up following the opening tip-off. Page Hiebert completed a backdoor play and Aleena Cook hit a three-pointer to give the Bluebirds a five-point lead. Goessel continued to lead 9-8 at the end of the first period.
Goessel’s offense stalled in the second period and fell behind by eight points. Chelsea Stika hit a three-pointer to allow the Bluebirds to go to half-time trailing by six 22-16.
Hiebert, showing leadership in this first game, took the ball the full length of the court several times in the third period to give the Bluebirds hope that they could penetrate the Teuton defense. Cook hit another three-pointer and Erin Brubaker followed a rebound with a basket. Inman led 37-28 at the end of three quarters.
Alyssa Booton hit two three-pointers in the fourth quarter and Hiebert and Cook converted several free-throws, but the Bluebirds could not close the gap as Inman left the gym with a 51-41 win.
Hiebert led the team with five rebounds, hitting 78 percent of free-throws and 67percent from the field, ending with 15 points. Cook scored 9 points with three assists and four steals. Booton hit two three-pointers, and Stika scored one three-pointer. Meysing scored 3; Makayla King, 2; Brubaker, 2; and Olivia Duerksen, 1.