With the New Year right around the corner, the Hillsboro High School girls’ basketball team picked up some much-needed momentum Friday night, trouncing Sterling on the road, 42-26.

The second consecutive victory moves Hillsboro to 3-2 on the season.

The Trojans jumped out to an 11-4 lead after the first quarter while their defense played the Lady Black Bears out of the game.

Sterling narrowly outscored the Trojans in the second quarter, 7-5, but Hillsboro still had a 16-11 lead at halftime.

Hillsboro was able to mail in the in in the third quarter, using a 17-4 run to stretch its lead to 33-15, heading into the final stretch.

Dakota Kaufman and Kassidi Luthi combined for 24 points, with Kaufman scoring a game-high 13.

Sterling could’ve made for a better game had it been able to make its free throws, going a worthless 3-for-14 at the line.

Hillsboro begins the new year Jan. 6, making a long trip to Hoisington.