BELOIT — The girls’ basketball team ended with a tough 43-31 loss at Beloit Feb. 2. In their second matchup against the Trojans, they came up short for the second time.

Scoring started out dry for both teams. However, Beloit put up the first 4 points before the Cats were on the board. The main struggle for Ellsworth all night was the challenge of getting their shots to fall offensively. That meant the team had to make up for the issue on defense.

The Bearcats worked to make stops defensively, however, the height of the Trojans posed a consistent challenge. Because the Cats had a hard time filling in on the weak side, Beloit’s posts were able to gain numerous scoring opportunities or free throw chances off Bearcat fouls.

While they fought to knock down shots and keep the Trojans from shooting, the first quarter ended in a very close score with Beloit leading 9-8.

Coming out in the second quarter, the Cats got back after it. Learning from the start of the game, they knew to cover up and help on the weak side in the post, in turn beginning to shut down the Trojans in the post.

However, Ellsworth still had a difficult time capitalizing on Beloit’s errors. At moments, they went on runs where they made great stops on defense, but they still struggled to make it count offensively. The Trojans, however, were able to make several points in transition and on backdoor passes to the basket.

Beloit was able to increase their lead to a halftime score of 18-10.

At the start of the second half, the Cats came out strong. They stopped Beloit’s offense on the first possession and sophomore Lainey Peschka scored a layup on the other end.

The Bearcats continued to increase their pressure against Beloit, speeding them up and causing Trojan turnovers. However, Ellsworth still had trouble getting their shots to fall. Of the team’s 44 2-point field goals attempted, they made 11, and of their 13 attempted 3-pointers, they dropped in two.

At the end of the third quarter, the Bearcats were down 35-20.

Throughout the fourth quarter, the team picked up their fullcourt press. They caused numerous turnovers by running the press, forcing 15 Beloit turnovers throughout the game.

Although their intensity was high for the duration of the fourth quarter, the Bearcats were unable to turn the game around. The final score ended in a Bearcat loss 43-31.

Peschka led scoring for the Cats, putting 21 points on the board.

The team will compete in its winter homecoming game Feb. 9 at home against Republic County. The crowning will take place immediately following the girls’ game.