The Sherburne-Earlville Timberwolves girls’ basketball team kicked off the new year at home against Cooperstown on Wednesday night. It was the first game since S-E finished runners up in the UV Holiday Tournament over Christmas break in the loss to Norwich.

S-E battled back-and-forth with the Hawkeyes in the first quarter, but Cooperstown took control and never looked back after that. The Hawkeyes picked up the 62-37 victory, succeeding in scoring opportunities off turnovers.

In the first quarter, there were several lead changes and S-E saw great strength from Natalie Knickerbocker, who was an open player most of the contest while others were heavily pressured. She was determined, even if the finish was not there. Knickerbocker even fought for the ball on the floor, saving it and helping S-E get the offensive rebound.

Peyton Darragh was good on both ends of the court, rebounding under the basket defensively when she got there before the Cooperstown defender, along with help from Abbie Green. Brynn Shaver had a few blocks defensively as well.

Even with S-E showing potential, Cooperstown took advantage of turnovers and got more aggressive to take a nine point lead at halftime and just keep extending their lead in the second half.

Despite the deficit, everyone that entered the game for the Timberwolves scored at least two points.

Morgan Mikalunas led S-E with 10 points, knocking down a three-pointer for S-E’s final shot of the contest in the last 10 seconds of the final quarter. Peyton Darragh had seven points and a season-high 11 rebounds off the bench. Abbie Green was stellar with six points and eight rebounds, continuing to shine with only being an eighth grader.

Marley Goedel also got in the action and scored four points in the third quarter. Cora Franklin also had four points with multiple trips to the free-throw line and Kendall Hill added a basket in the third quarter.

S-E (4-5) hosts Morrisville-Eaton on Friday at 7 p.m.