As it has at other times this season, the Salisbury girls’ basketball team didn’t let an early-game deficit deter the Lady Falcons from trying to compete. Despite Lehighton scoring the first nine points and leading 15-3 after the first quarter, Salisbury was able to cut the Indians’ lead to single digits early in the second.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough gas left in the tank. Lehighton staved off Salisbury’s run to lead by 13 at halftime, grow its lead to 20 in the third quarter and secure the 58-26 win last Thursday night at Salisbury High School.

“I was happy to see how the girls fought back,” Falcon head coach Dan Reichenbach said. “They played tough and didn’t give up after getting down big. But then we struggled to score in the second half.”

Quinn Wittman was a big part in keeping Salisbury (0-12 overall; 0-7 in Colonial League) in it early on. She recorded the Lady Falcons’ only field goal in the first quarter, and scored 11 of the team’s 18 through the first half.

Lehighton, which saw its lead diminish to 16-9 in that second quarter after Salisbury scored the first six points, had an answer. Hailey Miller, who scored 11 points in the opening half, hit a 3-pointer with three minutes remaining in the quarter to put the Indians in front 26-13. That shot was part of a 9-4 run just before intermission.

The Indians grew their lead to 20 points in the third quarter when Miller recorded a steal and layup in transition. Aaliyah Fisher then hit Lehighton’s second 3-pointer of the game on the next possession for a 43-20 lead late in the frame.

Miller finished with a game-high 16 points, while Alexis Solomon added 10 and Tinaya Klotz scored nine.

“All the injuries we have had has not helped our cause,” Reichenbach said. “I think I have used about nine different starting lineups so far.

“For the most part, the girls give me good effort on defense, but unfortunately our inexperience really shows up on the offensive end. We really struggle to score.”

With center/forward Madison Bettuccio still sidelined with an injury suffered in the season-opener, there was an opportunity for other Lady Falcons to step up.

Forward Krista Bonge came off the bench to score four points and record four rebounds. Krystal Mohry has also been out since the season opener due to a concussion.

A number of other players were also impressive in the fourth quarter when their names were called. Kerry Seiler recorded three points and three rebounds, while Kayla Trenge and Gabriella Lozada each secured three rebounds.

Wittman led the way with 11 points and recorded four rebounds.

“Quinn Wittman has been steady all year and has had to log a lot of minutes,” Reichenbach said. “She is our best ball-handler and our biggest scoring threat.”

The Lady Falcons dropped their next game against Northwestern on Monday. Up next is a trip to Bangor for Thursday’s game.