The Columbus Wildcats suffered a 45-29 defeat to English Valleys in girls’ basketball last night. Columbus had a 10-6 lead in the first quarter but found themselves down 16-12 by halftime. The Wildcats were still trailing by eight going into the final period when the Bears ripped off a 13-5 run to close the game.

Point guard Ariana Vergara had nine points to lead Columbus in scoring, while fellow junior Frannie Sosa added seven points as the Wildcats fall to 14-5. Columbus will return to the court Thursday when they play in the annual Southeast Iowa Super Conference Shootout.