After scoring 15 points in its last two games, combined, the Meridian girls' basketball team got its offense going on Saturday, Jan. 26. Unfortunately for the Trojans, it wasn't quite enough, as they suffered a 64-40 Northwest Conference loss to visiting Mount Baker.

"This was one of our better nights of the year," Meridian coach Don McMains said in a phone interview. "As an offensive team, we've struggled putting the ball in the hole. Tonight, we shot the ball significantly better."

A big reason for that, McMains said, was the play of Janessa Murphy, who led the Trojans (1-17, 0-10 NWC) with 11 points, matched Taylor Lunde with a team-high eight rebounds and played good on defense. Kendra Holmes scored eight.

Emily Yost led Mount Baker (8-10, 3-7) with 21 points, while Emily Brandland scored 11 and Emma Leigh Cline had nine to help the Mountaineers jump out to a 30-12 lead at halftime.

Meridian will next play at Sehome on Tuesday, Jan. 29, while Mount Baker will be at Anacortes.

MOUNT BAKER 64, MERIDIAN 40

Mount Baker 17 13 17 17 - 64

Meridian 8 4 12 16 - 40

Mount Baker: Emily Brandland 11, Jessa Baisden 1, Taylor Leger 8, Emma Lallas 5, Korrinna Camacho 3, Emily Yost 21, Rayedeen Engels 3, Emma Leigh Cline 9, Kylee Engholm 1, Alyssa Linderman 0, Jordan Horsmon 0. Team totals: 22-75 15-26 64.

Meridian: Madison Holz 0, Kendall DeMerice 5, Allecia Galindo 3, Kendra Holmes 8, Sydney Swanson 3, Taylor Lunde 6, Allie Mack 1, Janessa Murphy 11, Haley Belanger 3, Grace Pyles 0. Team totals: 14-51 6-14 40.

3-ptg: Mount Baker 3 (Lallas, Camacho, Cline), Meridian 3 (DeMerice, Galindo, Holmes). Rebounds: Mount Baker 41, Meridian 28 (Lunde 8, Murphy 8). Assists: Meridian 11 (DeMerice 3, Swanson 3). Fouls: Mount Baker 17, Meridian 19. Turnovers: Mount Baker 17, Meridian 31.