The Lynden girls' basketball team usually owns one of the deepest benches in the Northwest Conference, but injury and illness have reduced the Lions to eight deep.

Though it got off to a little bit of a shaky start, eight turned out to be enough for Lynden in a 50-22 victory over Cherstemere (Alberta) in the opening round of the Surf 'n Slam Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 27, at San Diego.

"We were a little uptight at the start of the game, and rightfully so with only eight kids," Lynden coach Rob Adams said in a phone interview. "Once we got relaxed and got our legs under us, though, we were able to get into our transition and lengthen our lead."

Junior guard Stephanie Somers led the Lions with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Though complete stats were not available from the game, Adams said Ashlyn Morgan also had a big game for the Lions (7-3), as did Mandy Warner, who "was solid off the defensively and offensively for us and made a big push in the middle of the action," Adams said.

Lynden next faces Meadowdale in the tournament semifinals at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28.