By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

The Goessel girls came out on the short end of a contest between state-ranked teams Friday, suffering their first loss of the season against Moundridge.

Goessel, ranked fifth in Class 1A, held a height advantage over Moundridge, ranked fourth in Class 2A.

Both teams held early leads, with the Wildcats getting a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lead 11-5 at the end of the first quarter.

The Bluebirds abandoned the long ball and concentrated on getting close to the bucket. Eden Hiebert scored on a back door lay-up, Page Hiebert weaved her way to a basket, Aleena Cook made two scores, and Alicen Meysing connected on two free throws. Goessel’s defense allowed only two points in the quarter, sending the Bluebirds to halftime leading 16-13.

After another Cook layup, the Wildcats scored ten unanswered points to lead 23-18. Page Hiebert scored outside and inside, and Brittney Hiebert and Cook converted free throws to bring the Bluebirds within one, 24-25. Moundridge scored four points as the third quarter came to an end.

With a lead, Moundridge went into delay mode. Fouls from the Bluebirds and cold shooting allowed the Wildcats to win 37-28.

Goessel finished the game shooting just 24 percent from the field. Page Hiebert had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Cook scored 7 points, Meysing 6 points, Eden Hiebert 2 and Brittney Hiebert 1.

Goessel, now 9-1 will compete in the Berean Tournament on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.