Defense was the name of the game for the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat in a 51-27 victory over the visiting Lady Pirates in Hot Springs Saturday. 

The Heat were to have played at Arlee on Thursday, but that game was cancelled, Hot Springs coach Brady Ovitt said.

Now 1-1 in non-conference play, the Heat host St. Regis Tuesday and play at Superior in a pair of District 14C conference games this week.

A solid defensive effort by his girls turned the tide against Victor.

“We played excellent defense,” Ovitt said. “The game was a real confidence booster for us in that respect, something we can build on going forward.”

Kara Christensen was again high point scorer for the Heat, notching a game-high 21 points to lead the winners, Kora Hensrude and Mackenzie Johnson 10 each and Eleanor Massey eight.

Brooklyn Cary led Victor with nine points.

Ovitt said the Savage Heat girls have received good news in the fact that senior Callie Cano has turned out for the team and expects to join the squad soon.