ASOTIN–The 2022-23 Girls Basketball season is off and running, and a big third quarter was the difference for the Lady Pirates, when a case of nerves hurt them in the opening 44-36 loss to the Lady Panthers here last Wednesday.

Up next is another road trip, the Lady Pirates scheduled to face St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse Friday in St. John before returning for the first home game of the season against Oakesdale Saturday on the Pirate home court.

The Lady Panthers made some adjustment at half time and came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring Pomeroy 15-4 in a game that otherwise was equally played.

"For the number of turnovers we had," observed Head Coach Tai Bye, "we played a pretty tight game tonight. We killed ourselves with fouls. We let Asotin get to the line to score 14 points off the line, which was a game-changer."

Bye believes first-game jitters caused the team to "settle for shots," while the defense–missing two of its main players–struggled in the paint.

In spite of the absent players, Bye said Hannah Bagby played a tough game inside. "Even though she didn't get her shots to fall," Bye noted, "she pulled down seven boards and played tough defense.

"Jillian Herres had a strong showing tonight, finishing with 20 points, three boards, four steals, and three assists," Bye said. "Chase Caruso also played well, finishing with 10 points and four steals.

"We will get back at it in the gym tomorrow and be ready to go with a full roster next week," Bye said.

Pomeroy 36, Asotin 44 (11-30)

Aso 6 9 15 14-44

Pom 7 10 4 15-36

Pomeroy (36) Jillian Herres 7-22 3-6 20, Chase Caruso 3-13 3-4 10, Hannah Bagby 0-3 0-0 0, Kiersten Bartles 1-6 0-0 3, Haliee Brewer 0-3 0-3 0, Taylor Gilbert 1-9 0-0 3, Caroline McKeirnan 0-0 0-0 0, Maria Altube 0-0 0-0 0, Izzy Field 0-0 0-0 0, Grace Hart 0-0 0-0 0.

Asotin (44) Kelsey Thummel 0-2 0-1 0, Sadie Thummel 0-4 0-1 0, Emmalyn Barnea 1-4 2-2 4, Cady Browne 1-4 4-4 6, Lily Denham1-1 1-4 3, Sofia Carrasco 0-1 1-4 1, Carlie Ball 1-4 1-2 3, Emily Elskamp 8-17 5-10 21, Haylee Appleford 3-6 0-2 6.

3 Point Goals -- Asotin: None Pomeroy: Caruso, Herres 3, Gilbert, Bartels Fouls: Asotin (18), Pomeroy (23) Fouled Out: Herres, Brewer, Denham Technical Fouls: None Rebounds: Bagby 7 Pomeroy Rebounds: Team (16) Turnovers: Pomeroy (22) Assists: Pomeroy (5).