The Highline women’s basketball team fell to No. 4 South Puget Sound on the road, 70-44.

Last Saturday in Olympia, WA, a stunted first quarter from Highline and continued struggles throughout resulted in a Clippers victory.

The first quarter signaled trouble for Highline as the Clipper’s built a 15-0 run with 2:56 left. The Lady T-Birds shot 25 percent from the floor to their opponent’s 64.4 percent. The Clippers converted nine Highline turnovers to score seven points and led 22-5.

In the second, the Clippers sailed steadily behind leadership of Sharay Trotter who knocked down 10 points on 4-6 shooting. South Puget shot 6-12 from the field while Highline shot 4-14. 

At halftime, the Clippers amassed a 36-14 lead.

In the third, Highline gained momentum with Savannah Arneach stringing together six points for the Lady T-Birds. Highline improved their shooting to 49 percent allowing them 17 points to South Puget’s 18 for the quarter. Despite a Highline energy shift, South Puget collected their largest lead of 32 points with 2:40 left.

At the start of the fourth quarter, the score was 54-32, Clipper’s ahead. Highline offensive and defensive efforts were up to par with the Clipper’s for the final 15 minutes, but the first half blowout made a comeback nearly impossible. South Puget sailed away to victory with a final score of 70-44.

Clipper Sharay Trotter had the hot-hand and led all players with 22 points on 10-14 shooting.

Sophomore Savannah Arneach and freshman Mahine Bergeson both chipped in 10 points for Highline.

“We learned– to start off the game with the same energy that we brought in the second half,” said Highline freshman Solona Jackson.

The mostly freshman team is now 0-3 in conference and tied for an NWAC West fifth place ranking with Grays Harbor and Tacoma.

“The college basketball experience has been full of a-lot of ups and downs and has taught me a lot of life lessons. Specifically how working together to achieve a goal is the best way to be successful. When you work hard and stay focused you’ll be able to achieve every goal you set for yourself,” said Jackson.

The Lady T-Birds return to action on Wednesday as they travel to Tacoma to take on the No. 4 Titans. Results were unavailable at press time.

On Saturday, Highline returns to the Thunderdome to host No. 1 Lower Columia. The game begins at 12:00 p.m.