The Nooksack Valley girls' basketball team defeated Meridian 58-23 in a Northwest Conference game, Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Nooksack Valley High School.

"We did a good job coming out in our press and getting going," Nooksack Valley coach Shane Wichers said in a phone interview. "We had a good rhythm offensively and I think that was because we came out aggressively on defense."

The Pioneers (5-1, 1-0 NWC) were led in scoring by Melissa Stadt, who scored 16 points, and Lindsay Hayes, who scored 11.

Nooksack Valley only allowed four points in the first half and led 29-4 at the break.

"I thought Meridian played really hard in the second half," Wichers said. "They struggled in the first, but they had 19 in the second. I think we were able to continue to execute and get good shots though."

Meridian (1-7, 0-1 NWC) was led by Taylor Lunde, who scored 10 points.

The Pioneers will travel to Blaine on Tuesday, Dec. 18, while Meridian will host Sedro-Woolley.

NOOKSACK VALLEY 58, MERIDIAN 23

Meridian 2 2 10 9 - 23

Nooksack Valley 20 9 20 9 - 58

Meridian: Madison Holz 0, Kendall DeMerice 0, Allecia Galindo 0, Kendra Holmes 2, Sydney Swanson 4, Abbi Rautenberg 0, Taylor Lunde 10, Allie Mack 0, Janessa Murphy 3, Haley Belanger 4. Team totals: 8-35 5-9 23.

Nooksack Valley: Taryn Tenkley 3, Payton Linville 2, Lauren Dykstra 8, Lindsay Hayes 11, Julie Campos 2, Mariah Perry 6, Lindy Swanson 4, Cheyanna Maxwell 6, Fiona Chapman 0, Melissa Stadt 16. Team totals: 25-66 6-9 58.

3-ptg: Meridian 2 (Murphy, Swanson), Nooksack Valley 2 (Tenkley, Hayes). Rebounds: Meridian 19 (n/a), Nooksack Valley 32 (Maxwell 7). Assists: Meridian n/a, Nooksack Valley 7 (Swanson, Hayes 2). Fouls: Meridian 7 (none), Nooksack Valley 15 (none). Turnovers: Meridian 29, Nooksack Valley 11.