The problem for the NRHEG girls’ basketball team was obvious.

They fell too far behind too early.

The Panthers gave it a valiant effort in the second half but fell short 53-48 in a Gopher Conference game in New Richland Friday, Dec. 8.

“We put ourselves in a big hole and it was hard for us to climb out of it,” said coach Onika Peterson. “In the second half the girls really rallied back, but we ended up falling short.”

The loss was the first in three outings for the Panthers, who fell to 1-1 in conference play.

Betsy Schoenrock led NRHEG with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and one blocked shot. Also reaching double figures in scoring was Hannah Budach, who totaled 10 points and two rebounds. Kelly Harden finished with five points, 11 rebounds, one steal and one block.

Others: Caitlin Goette 3 points, 4 rebounds, Olivia Christopherson 5 points, 3 rebounds; Sophie Stork 5 points, 6 rebounds; Jayna Finseth 1 rebound; Alexis Anderson 5 points, 2 steals; Gabby Muri 3 points.