The Atlantic Trojans Girls Basketball Team dropped their second straight season opener to the Pella Dutch. Although this game was closer than last year’s contest, tonight was a game that Atlantic feels like they should have won. Down by 16 points in the third quarter, the Dutch came storming back to take the lead late in the 4th and once they had they lead, they never looked back, winning  66-52.

Returning nearly their entire roster, the Trojans looked determined to avenge last year’s 70-43 season-opening loss to the Dutch from the start. Atlantic started the game on a 7-0 run to take an early lead. Led by Patyn Harder, who had 10 first-half points, the Trojans dominated the opening quarter. They played staunch defense, moved the ball well, and were hitting the deep ball. Harder and Mckenna Schroeder combined for three 3-points in the opening frame contributing to their 22-5 first quarter lead

Although Pella pushed back in the second quarter, the Trojans were still in full control. Although scoring from the floor was down, Atlantic was able to get to the free-throw line.  The Trojans went 10-16 from the charity stripe as a team in the first half. This included Payton McLaren going 4-6 from the line in the second quarter.  Feeling confident about their game, Atlantic would take a 33-22 lead into the half.

Well into the third quarter, not much had changed. In fact, Atlantic was able to push their lead to 16. However, with 2:47 left in the third quarter, things started to swing in Pella’s direction. Where the Trojan’s ball movement was precise in the first half, Atlantic struggled with turnovers in the second. In addition to some unforced turnovers, the Dutch defense was able to clamp down. The Dutch allowed just 6 points in the final 10:47 of the game. Kamryn Long led the charge for Pella with 12 fourth quarter points as the Dutch crawled back to tie the game at 50-50. Then at 4:38 of the fourth quarter, Jenna Altman hit two free throws to give Pella their first lead of the game. The Dutch would close out the game on a 14-2 run.

Despite the disappointing loss, there are plenty of positive takeaways for the Trojans, including their fantastic start.

That’s Atlantic head coach Dan Vargason who although pleased with their start felt that turnovers played a key factor in the second half.

Vargason also said his team’s scoring capabilities were another positive takeaway. Although Paytn Harder led the game with 21 points, Katrina Williams and Payton McLaren both finished with 8 points while Schroeder, Zoey Kirchhoff, and Lila Weidersteing all got on the scoresheet.

Atlantic will be back in action when they host Denison-Schleswig on Tuesday.