The Mount Si High School girls basketball team made the long trip up to Port Angeles last Saturday, Dec. 6, and once there, found out how tough their defending local team can be.

Despite stellar efforts from a pair of seniors, the Wildcats fell 59-56 to the Port Angeles Roughriders in a game that was tight throughout.

Jordyn Wilson scored 17 points and added eight rebounds to lead Mount Si. Caitie Richards added 19 points and seven assists to pace the Wildcat effort, while junior Traci Nelson pitched in 12 points on an excellent 75 percent shooting percentage from the floor to aid the cause. Mount Si as a team shot 31 percent from the field.

Mount Si and Port Angeles were tied 11-11 after the first quarter. The Wildcats took a 25-21 lead into halftime, then a 36-34 lead into the final quarter, which was quite active. The Roughriders outscored Mount Si 25-20 in the final frame.

The Wildcats open league play this week. On Wednesday, Dec. 10, they are home against Liberty at 7:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, they host Sammamish.

Both the Patriots and Totems have first year coaches; Randy Leifer replaced Shiree Harsh at Liberty, and Ashley Blake replaced Alan Guffey at Sammamish. The Patriots look to be led this season by sophomore post Danni Sjolander and senior Rayssa Lira, while the Totems are expected to be led by senior Zoe Gano. Neither team is expected to make a lot of noise this season within the league, so look for a couple of winnable games for the Wildcat ladies this week after a tough non-league slate to open the season.