Playing fast and furious, the South Whidbey girls basketball team won its first Cascade Conference game of the season 44-29 over Granite Falls on Friday night.

Missing their only senior, Madi Boyd, the Falcons made up for her absence with a renewed vigor on offense and defense. Falcon junior Abby Hodson collected three steals and scored eight points in the first half as the Falcons went ahead 20-18 at the break.

South Whidbey never trailed in the game after sophomore Morgan Davis scored a two-point jump shot on the Falcons’ first possession. Megan Drake, a freshman, gave the Falcons a cushion with a steal and quick layup for a 4-0 run.

Granite Falls cut the lead to one point with a three-pointer by Kimmy Martinez and a layup with a free throw by Tiger junior Makenzie McLaughlin. With 1:54 left in the first half, South Whidbey’s lead was cut to 16-15 until freshman Kacie Hanson sank two free throws to stretch the lead to 18-15.

The Falcons defense kept the Tigers out of the key, forcing outside shots and long possessions. The more time ticked off the clock, it seemed the Falcons were more likely to steal the ball as they recorded 10 team steals in the first half.

Beating Granite Falls gave South Whidbey its second victory of the year. The Falcons, however, remain out of position to make the playoffs as the third of the conference’s three 1A teams. Both King’s and Coupeville beat South Whidbey earlier this year, though the rematches are coming with the Lady Knights visiting Tuesday, Jan. 21 and the rival Wolves scheduled for Jan. 28.