• Article Photo. Makayla Westendorf attempts a first half shot.
    Makayla Westendorf attempts a first half shot.
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  • Article Photo. Bethany Stainbrook led the Vikettes with 24 points in their home opener Tueseday vs. Beckman.
    Bethany Stainbrook led the Vikettes with 24 points in their home opener Tueseday vs. Beckman.
  • Article Photo. The VS student section calls for
    The VS student section calls for "defense."
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  • Article Photo. Freshman Maci Griffith drives toward the basket.
    Freshman Maci Griffith drives toward the basket.
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  • Article Photo. Senior Erin Randall attempts a second-half shot.
    Senior Erin Randall attempts a second-half shot.
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  • Article Photo. Bethany Stainbrook scored 24 in the VIkettes' home opener.
    Bethany Stainbrook scored 24 in the VIkettes' home opener.
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  • Article Photo. Maci Griffith makes a left-handed lay-up.
    Maci Griffith makes a left-handed lay-up.
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  • Article Photo. Freshman Anna Sagan is introduced before the game.
    Freshman Anna Sagan is introduced before the game.
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  • Article Photo. Ashley McKenna scores two second-half points.
    Ashley McKenna scores two second-half points.
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  • Article Photo. Freshman Anna Sagan passes to Maci Griffith, the other starting freshman for the VIkettes.
    Freshman Anna Sagan passes to Maci Griffith, the other starting freshman for the VIkettes.
  • Article Photo. The VS girls basketball cheerleaders include first-time cheerers.
    The VS girls basketball cheerleaders include first-time cheerers.
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The Vinton-Shellsburg girls basketball team opened its home season Tuesday night with a last-second loss to Dyersville Beckman, 44-42.

The Vikettes had trailed most of the game but Bethany Stainbrook tied the score at 42 with less than a minute left. Both teams had chances to score, but a put-back as the buzzer sounded gave the Blazers the win.

Stainbrook led the Vikettes with 24 points, including two consecutive third-period 3-point shots that gave VS its first lead of the night, 38-34. But Beckman quickly scored 8 to give them a 42-38 lead.

Coach Deb Hanneman said her team played hard and well, although rebounding was a big factor, and the area in which the team most needs to improve.

“I counted 10 offensive rebounds for them, including the last one,” said Hanneman.

Beckman led after the first period, 17-15, and at the half, 29-24. The Vikettes led 35-34 going into the fourth period.

The starting five for the Vikettes include Stainbrook, a junior; seniors Erin Randall and Makayla Westendorf; and freshmen Maci Griffith and Anna Sagan.

See complete girls stats HERE.

Boys win at Dyersville

The VS boys played at Dyersville Beckman, winning 73-48. Grant Sagan and Max Griffith each scored 24 for the Vikings.

See complete boys stats HERE.

Both teams play again Friday; the boys host West Delaware while the girls travel to Manchester.