The Atlantic Trojans girls basketball team opened their postseason with a 51-35 Saturday night. After a close first quarter, the Trojans took control of the game, led by their defense. In the middle two frames, the offense continued to push as the Trojans controlled the second half on their way to a victory and a berth in the regional semi-final.

On paper, both teams matched up relatively evenly. Statistically, only a few categories heavily leaned one way or the other, and the first quarter bore this out. Both defenses limited opportunities. Atlantic played the perimeter very well (which they did all night), while Clarinda limited the Trojans’ access to the paint. Each team was able to hit a three-pointer, with Atlantic’s coming courtesy of Zoey Kirchhoff who led the Trojans in the first quarter with five points. When the opening quarter came to a close, Atlantic had a slim one-point lead. In the second quarter, both teams struggled with turnovers early. However, it was the Trojans who cleaned things up and started to take control of the game. The offense to find more success in the paint. Paytn Harter knocked down three field goals while Katrina Williams added a pair. Defensively, the Trojans played very well limiting Clarinda to just 7 points in the quarter.  By the horn, Atlantic had built a 27-18 lead.

The Trojans fully took control in the third quarter. The defense forced the Cardinals to the inside and caused numerous turnovers by clogging the passing lanes. This fueled their transition game and limited Clarinda’s chances to come back. Offensively, Williams heated up with three field goals and a trio of free throws. As a part of Atlantic’s continued success down low, Harter also added a pair of field goals to lead the games with 17 points. As time ticked down, the Cardinals were unable to find an answer to Atlatnic’s defense. Maddie Cole led Clarinda with nine points as the Trojans held the Cardinals to less than 12 points in all four quarters. Williams and Kirchhoff also reached double digits for the Trojans as Atlantic won their sixth consecutive postseason opener. Head coach Dan Vargason was very happy with the way his defense executed their gameplay.

Although the offense was at its peak early on, Vargarson liked their ability to stick with it.

The win also marks Atlantic’s fifth consecutive win (their longest streak of the season) and although happy with the win, Varagson knows it is time to turn their attention towards the regional semi-final.

The Trojans will continue their postseason on Wednesday as they head to Harlan to take on the Cyclones. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm.