After going two years without a win, the Aberdeen Christian girls’ basketball team picked up their second one in as many nights.

After defeating James Valley Christian on Thursday, the Knights followed that up with a 32-21 non-conference victory over Sunshine Bible Academy Friday night at the Christian School Gym.

Christian set the tone early, outscoring SBA 10–2 in the first quarter. Christian coach Matt Rohrbach said the team’s defensive pressure played a big role.

“We installed that this week to get ready for the games this week,” Rohrbach said, “and we felt like we had the quickness advantage.”

The Crusaders responded in the second and third quarters, tightening things up and making it a competitive game. Sunshine Bible Academy coach Megan Hall was pleased with her team’s defensive effort.

“Our defense was pretty good tonight,” Hall said. “It’s been a lot better than it has been in the past, and I thought we worked well as a team.”

Christian pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring SBA 8–3 to seal the win.

Jolie Fogarty, who led the Knights with 14 points, said the team’s new defensive system allowed her to play aggressively.

“In our new defense, it’s my job to be aggressive out there,” Fogarty said. “I know I have backup behind me, so being aggressive and looking for steals.”

Sophia Eichler also had a strong game for Christian, adding 10 points.

Fogarty credited better ball movement for the team’s offensive success.

“Once we started passing it around and looking for each other, that’s when we started scoring more,” she said.

Ciera Mickelson led the way for the Crusaders with 12 points.

Hall said her team showed improvement as the game went on.

“Keeping our heads up and seeing our teammates,” Hall said. “We struggled a bit in the first half but got better in the second half, because we were keeping our heads up and passing at the right time.”

Rohrbach said the back-to-back wins have been exciting for the program and the players.

“It’s been a little while since the program’s had that,” Rohrbach said. “Just the excitement level for the girls and seeing them get a couple wins is always fun from a coaching standpoint.”

Rohrbach said the players are figuring out what to do when faced with various opposing defenses.

“Understanding what we need to do versus what defense they’re in,” he said, “whether you see a 2-3 zone or man-to-man, we just need to get on the same page.”

Christian, 2-9 on the season, has already won more games than it has in two years. Fogarty said the team is motivated to keep pushing forward.

“We’ve already won two more games than last year,” she said, “so we’re looking for more wins and to keep it going.”

SUNSHINE BIBLE ACADEMY (1-11): Tessa Hinman 2 0-0 4, Dakota Biersma 0 1-2 1, Soleil Mickelson 1 0-2 2, Cierra Mickelson 6 0-0 12, Madison Thieman 1 0-0 2. Totals 10 1-4 21.

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (2-9): Ari Johnson 3 0-0 6, Jolie Fogarty 5 3-9 14, Sophia Eichler 4 1-2 10, Jacie Fogarty 1 0-0 2. Totals 13 4-11 32.

Sunshine Bible Academy 2 12 18 21

Aberdeen Christian 10 18 24 32

3-point field goals – Jolie Fogarty, Eichler. Total fouls – Sunshine Bible Academy 13; Aberdeen Christian 11.