MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School girls basketball team took one on the chin last night, dropping a non-league contest to Hermiston at home, 61-45.

Despite the lopsided score, coach Matt Strophy said he was happy with the Chiefs performance.

"Overall, I was pleased with the way the girls played," he said. "The score may not have indicated so, but I thought we made proper adjustments as a group during the game and got within four points mid-way threw the fourth quarter."

Moses Lake was down 13-6 after the first quarter of play, and trailed 32-16 on the strength of five 3-points shots by Hermiston.

But the Chiefs bounced back with a 15-7 run with three an a half minutes left in the third to get with in eight, 39-31, capped off by a 3-point shot by Courtney Kunjara.

Hermiston not to be outdone, went on a mini 5-2 run to close out the third quarter action, 44-33.

Things got interesting in the fourth quarter as the Chiefs drew within four points, 44-40 with five minutes left in the game, much to the delight of the home crowd.

But, Hermiston put the pedal to the medal and out scored the Moses Lake 17-5 down the stretch to run away with the game 61-45.

"We were in it mid-way through the fourth but they pulled away at the end," Strophy said. "But the girls battled hard tonight and made progress from the beginning to the end of the game."

Emily Olson led the way for the Chiefs with 14 points. Sadie Nielsen added 11, and Kunjara finished with eight points.

"I've been really happy with the way Emily has played the last three games," Strophy said. "She been very aggressive offensively. I thought Courtney did an outstanding job as well from the point guard position. She really controlled their press and was able to score some points as well, which was really nice to see."

 he Chiefs are back on the hardwood Friday when Moses Lake travels to Sunnyside to take on the Grizzlies .

"They are a talented team, with three pretty good freshman players," Strophy said. "On Friday we play Kamiakin at home and that will be a good measuring stick for us as they are the No. 2 ranked 3A team in the state."