Though the final score may not have shown it, the Pella Christian girls basketball team put forth a valiant effort and held their own against Ballard in a 65-48 loss last night at Pella Christian High School. The Lady Eagles were able to overcome 6-0 hole to start the game to capture a 7-6 lead, before finding themselves down 21-7 by the end of the quarter.

Still, the Lady Eagles battled back against the top-ranked Bombers, pulling to within five points during an impressive third quarter rally. However, Ballard would prove to be too much, pulling away down the stretch for the 17-point win.

Lady Eagles Head Coach Kevin Van Maanen said the slow start in the first quarter dictated the outcome of the game, but was pleased with the fight that his team showed throughout the game.

“We just came out too flat, and against a good team like that [Ballard], you can’t come out flat and expect to win,” said Van Maanen. “But I credit my girls; they kept battling back and we got it down to five points. I just think we lost a little bit of legs toward the end there that we needed to finish up the job.”

Leading the way for Pella Christian was Christina Nolte, who scored 10 points, and was one of nine Lady Eagles in the scoring column. Teammate Renae DeBruin had 7 rebounds. Ballard’s Taylor Greenfield led all players with 18 points and 8 rebounds. The Pella Christian girls fall to 2-1 overall and will face ADM on Saturday.