The Vashon girls basketball team opened the new year with a win when they topped the Chimacum Cowboys, 33-29, on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Two days later, they lost to a talented Eatonville team.

The Pirates trailed by as much as seven points early in the game, but rallied to take a first-quarter lead that would not be relinquished.

Vashon’s 8-point halftime advantage was extended to 16 as the Pirates entered the fourth quarter with a 32-16 lead. The Cowboys closed the gap in the fourth quarter, but Vashon held fast on the way to a 33-29 final score.

The Pirates’ ability to break full-court pressure was one key to their success. Anya Quig led the Pirates with 14 points, with contributions from Siena Jannetty, Taegen Lynch, Ally Clevenger, Annika Hille, Kate Atwell and Lilly Hennessey.

The Eatonville Cruisers visited Vashon on Friday and jumped to an early 13-1 advantage as the Pirates’ shooting was cold.

Vashon battled gamely, outscoring the Cruisers in the third quarter, but could not overcome the Eatonville lead in a 50-22 loss.

“As a team we played with outstanding effort,” said coach Henry Porter after the game. “Even when things did not go our way, we did not let it get us down.”

When asked about other bright spots, Porter noted the improvements in the press break, especially the significant role played by Lynch.

On Monday after press deadline, Vashon played a special international game against the visiting Mornington Breakers, a high school girls team from Australia. The two teams’ coaches, players and families met for a potluck on Sunday prior to the game.

As the season nears the halfway mark, the Pirates record currently stands at 4-7. Vashon traveled to Charles Wright on Tuesday after press deadline. The team will begin the second half of Nisqually League play by hosting Cedar Park Christian on Thursday.

— Gary Means is the assistant coach of the Vashon girls basketball team.