The girls basketball team at Providence Classical Christian School (PCCS) in Kirkland scored a 31-14 victory over Skykomish High School last Wednesday, but couldn’t marshal its forces to overcome Cedar Park Christian School from Mountlake Terrace on the Lions’ home turf Saturday.

“It’s exciting to see the girls coming together as a team and their hard work paying off,” said Providence coach Lindsey Elliott after the Skykomish win. “These six players are giving 100 percent…and it’s a great confidence builder when the game goes their way.”

The Highlanders’ strong defense fueled their offense, Elliott said, with half of their points in that game coming from fast breaks after forced turnovers. Providence and Skykomish players worked hard all night, she said, noting that PCCS had just one substitute and Skykomish only two.

On Saturday the Highlanders again battled for 32 minutes, but couldn’t stop the larger, more experienced Cedar Park team, which earned its last two points in the final seconds of play, lifting the score to 50-22. Providence held Cedar Park’s leading scorer, senior forward Hailey Carlson, to just 13 points, but couldn’t contain junior forward Salome Yosef, who scored 20 points, including a perfect six-for-six from the free throw line.

Providence guard and captain Reyna Lacalli was high scorer for her team both nights, scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively. Four other players scored against Skykomish, making that the most balanced game yet for the Lady Highlanders.