Big Sky Girls basketball took a tough but expected loss to the Hellgate Girls on Tuesday at Hellgate High, but performed better than expected with strong defense and several standout plays.

The varsity team lost by 16 points, but they had quite the ending despite a high-fouling game from both teams.

After a fairly close half where Hellgate led 24-14, the Knights pulled away in the third. But in the fourth quarter, the Eagle girls were able to bring themselves up  from 27 points to 44.

Despite a rough fall early in the game, Mia Sandau had some great plays and an amazing save right at the end. Through great teamwork including some strong assists from the Varsity freshmen, the Eagles were able to play their best in the fourth quarter.

The girls take on Coeur d’Alene tonight in Idaho.

Additional reporting by Aubree Rush