MATTAWA - Behind Liliana Ramirez's 29 points, Wahluke surged in the fourth period to break open a close game and defeat Royal in South Central A Conference East prep girls basketball Saturday.

It was Wahluke's first victory of the season. Royal has not won.

The contest was close for three quarters, with Wahluke leading, 28-22. The Warriors raced away with the fourth, 18-9.

"It seems like the kids always look forward to playing Royal because they seem to always have a friend or relative on one of the Royal teams, and it is always a battle," Warrior coach Jeff Ahmann said.

This was the fourth game of the week for Royal and the third for Wahluke. Both teams were tired and started out a little flat. Wahluke finally got its game going with a press that forced 19 Knight turnovers, mostly in the fourth period.

Maripaz Olivares used her quickness to steal the ball in the back court and give the Warriors several scoring opportunities.

Ramirez led all scorers with 29 points. Maripaz Olivares and Marleny Garcia had six each. Flor Araujo scored 11 points for Royal, and Becca Lee had seven.