After losing their first eight games of the season, the East Jefferson Rivals girls basketball team has pulled a 180 with two straight wins, earning their latest victory at home against Charles Wright Academy on Friday.

The Rivals won 38-32 over the Charles Wright Tarriers in a back-and-forth Jan. 28 affair.

EJ was off to a solid start in the first quarter with incredible defense and hustle from the athletes. Senior Aurin Asbell scored eight points from mid-range shots and layups, and junior Alyssa Vandenberg picked up where she left off in previous matchups, commanding the post on offense and getting to the free-throw line. The Rivals led 11-9 at the end of the first period.

Momentum switched hands in the second period as the Tarriers cut off EJ’s offensive efforts, converting layups and hitting their free throws to grasp a slim lead. The Rivals struggled in the second, but freshman Kay Botkin put in a resilient defensive display with multiple steals and a lockdown defense to keep Charles Wright from expanding its lead. The scoreboard read 16-13 Tarriers at the half.

Vandenberg dominated the third period for the Rivals with a triumphant performance in the paint, scoring nine points. When she wasn’t sliding layups into the net, Vandenberg was forcing the Tarriers to commit fouls and send her to the free-throw line. Capping off the magnificent third quarter for EJ, Aurin Asbell swished a buzzer-beater to add another two points to their lead as the crowd roared and the Rivals bench jumped up in celebration.

EJ was up 26-20 before the final period.

The Rivals continued to utilize Vandenberg in the fourth, but the Tarriers found their offensive footing again.

EJ was never quite comfortably in the lead, but the players kept attacking the basket and forcing contested shots to eventually lock in the victory over the Tarriers.

Vandenberg’s dominance in the post, a well-executed full-court press on defense, and solid playmaking from team leaders led the Rivals to their first home win of the season.

Vandenberg paced the EJ point parade with 21 points, followed by Aurin Asbell with 10 points, and Botkin with five.

EJ’s record is currently 2-8 (2-7 conference) as the girls hope to make a late-season resurgence and earn a playoff spot. The last two wins are encouraging for the Rivals, but the players will have to prove their mettle against stronger opponents in February to move into post-season play in the Nisqually League.

EJ’s next game was scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 1 against Cascade Christian School (10-6, 6-4 conference).