Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team earned its first win of the season in a big way against Liberty, 61-38, last Wednesday at Becahi.

“The girls have worked so hard. I’m happy for them. We’re happy for them, but less than 24 hours, we’ll be right back at it again, and for us, we talk about it’s not where we start. It’s where we want to finish,” said Coach Jose Medina.

Becahi’s start to the season was atypical for the defending District XI Class 4A champions having lost two games apiece to Easton and Nazareth.

Hosting Liberty, the Hawks weren’t only looking for that big third quarter they’re so accustomed to dominating, but they took it to the Hurricanes from the jump, going on a 13-point run and tallying 22 points in the first quarter.

“Great job today with our girls sharing the basketball,” Medina said. “Our younger kids came in and gave us a spark, and that’s what it’s about.”

Kourtney Wilson, Mirynet Colon, Briana McKelvey, and Kendra Rigo combined for Becahi’s 13-point run.

“I got a pass and I saw she left me open, and I just shot it,” said Rigo regarding her three pointer. “I just thought if she’s going to step back, I’m going to shoot it. It felt really good.”

Liberty showed promise early when Tamia Bruce scored on a layup after intercepting a pass, and Jessica Farrell hit a three to go up 5-0. The Hurricanes stayed in it with four points by Erin Eisenhart and a bucket by Emma Pukszyn. But soon after, the Hawks kicked up their defense and the tide began to turn.

“At practice we worked on switching more and helping when they’re getting a screen,” said Rigo.

The Hawks also worked on the details.

“In practice they make sure we drill skip passes, make sure we cut off things. We don’t like to take it light,” said Becahi guard Keyara Walters. “Making sure we rotate, make sure we had our own roles. We’ve been learning each other since we’re a new team.”

Somehow, Farrell was able to score with three defenders on her mid-third quarter, but the Hawks’ defense otherwise took its toll on the Hurricanes.

Farrell had 19 points for Liberty. Wilson had 17 points for Becahi.

“It’s phenomenal to get all 13 kids on the roster in tonight, but they didn’t just come in. They came in and gave us good minutes,” Medina said.