SANDPOINT — For a good indicator of how far the Sandpoint girls basketball program has come in one year consider this: Last year, the Bulldogs lost both games to the Trojans by the combined score of 117-43. This year, behind some scrappy defense, the Bulldogs held a late third quarter lead before falling 49-42 to the Trojans in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Maggie Kirscher scored 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds, Natasha Roop added nine points and Hailey Olin stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead the Bulldogs (1-2) in defeat.

“We talked about coming out of the gate and getting the game into a flow and the defensive intensity was excellent from the get-go,” said head coach Lance Bruce. “There are no limits to how far you can dig down inside. The girls played with tremendous heart.”

A Charissa Chatburn 3-pointer, a three point play from Olin and four straight points from Jordan Speelmon keyed a big third quarter run, as the Bulldogs outscored the Trojans 17-10, taking a 35-32 lead at one point.

Katy King hit a huge 3-pointer deep in the corner for the Trojans (2-0), which seemed to turn the tide for her team heading into the fourth quarter. Josie Tennison added 11, and Tori Davenport and Brooke Litalien 10 apiece for the Trojans.

“It was a rough game, very physical. We took quality shots, but they weren’t dropping,” said Trojans coach Chris Johnson, who praised the play of Kirscher in the post. “That post player from Sandpoint is the real deal. Her combination of strength and moves is tough to stop.”

Sandpoint hosts Bonners Ferry next Tuesday.

Post Falls — 13  13  10  13 — 49

Sandpoint—  6   12  17   7 — 42

POST FALLS — Tennison 11, King 7, Gonzales 5, Davenport 10, Litalien 10, Clancy 2, Failor 4.

SANDPOINT — Van Ooyen 1, Chatburn 6, Kirscher 10, Roop 9, Oyharsabal 0, Tucker 2, Speelmon 5, Bruce 2, Olin 7.