The girls basketball team started off its season Wednesday with a 64-53 loss to Shady Side Academy in a non-section game.

The Highlanders took a 10-point lead early in the game, but several players got into foul trouble in the first half, junior Laci Bernotas said. With Baldwin rotating those players out, Shady Side’s Karis Thomas became the game’s lead scorer, with 35 points overall, and Shady Side ended up on top. 

Bernotas said several players stood out for Baldwin.

“Lynsey Bernotas, Mary Vargo, and Bella Niles led in offense and put up a majority of our points,” Laci Bernotas said. 

The team’s defense was strong in the first half.

“Mary was face-guarding Karis and we were always in help. Kelsey Meyer played good hands-on and got a handful of rebounds,” Bernotas said.

The girls’ teamwork and communication were lacking, which created trouble for the Highlanders.

“We didn’t play well as a team. Our communication wasn’t there,” Bernotas said. “I understand it was the first game, so that’s something that will need work. But we were also being selfish, which interfered with plays.”

The girls play at home at 6 p.m. Friday against Pine-Richland.