The Columbus Wildcats began the new girls’ basketball season by taking down a conference rival, as Columbus defeated Hillcrest Academy last night 39-24 in Kalona. After a tight first quarter, the Wildcats used a 14-5 run in the second period to build a 25-15 lead at halftime. The second half would be a defensive affair, with the Ravens pulling back within single digits, but Columbus finished the game on an 11-3 run to seal victory.

Junior Ariana Vergara paced the Wildcats with a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds while also racking up a whopping seven steals. Frannie Sosa came up with six steals of her own while finishing the game with eight points and four assists.

Aracely Garza knocked down a pair of three-pointers on her way to eight points, 11 rebounds and four steals, while Lily Coil rounded out a strong night from the Columbus juniors with six points, 10 boards and four steals.

Sophomore Claire Withrow hit three triples and scored 14 points to lead her squad, but Hillcrest still drops their first game in the North division of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference and falls to 1-1 overall. While the Ravens are off until they host Highland Tuesday, Columbus will try to add to their season-opening win by getting another victory in the Super Conference North Tuesday at Lone Tree.